BY MIKE FUHRMAN

Statesville Police Department Cpl. Casey Hoover was honored by the City of Statesville on Monday for his service to the community and for his heroism in the line of duty.

Hoover was one of eight members of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Task Force who was shot — including four who were fatally wounded — in April while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive in Charlotte.

Mayor Costi Kutteh expressed the city’s appreciation to Hoover and all law enforcement personnel who risk their lives to protect and serve the community.

“It was close. It could have been more disastrous,” the mayor said.

The four members of the task force who were killed were Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Joshua Eyer, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks Jr., N.C. Department of Adult Correction Officer Sam Poloche and N.C. Department of Adult Correction Officer Alden Elliott.

Hoover, who was accompanied during Monday’s meeting by his wife Emilie and their soon-to-be 5-year-old daughter Ellie, thanked the mayor, city council, administration and his colleagues at the SPD for their prayers and encouragement during his recovery.

“I really felt the support and appreciate it,” said Hoover, who has returned to duty.

A graduate of the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Catawba Valley Community College, Hoover joined the SPD in December of 2016. He was promoted to corporal in September of 2023. He worked in the Patrol Division before transferring to the Criminal Investigations Division. He has served on the U.S. Marshals Task Force since October 2021 and has also served on the SPD Special Response Team.