Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Joseph White was shot and killed while investigating a possible gas drive-off at a local gas station. He was shot after stopping a vehicle wanted in connection with the incident around 4 pm.
A suspect, 26, was arrested on May 1, 2003, in Louisiana. On September 12, 2005, the subject was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief White was in the United States Navy for 20 years and in law enforcement for 20 years. His last 18 months was with the Rich Square Police Department.
Survivors
Chief White is survived by his wife, several grown children, and several grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-8D9D3AD2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police White gave the Rich Square Police Department 30 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rich Square community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Joseph E. White served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Chief of Police Joseph E. White is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph E. White's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph E. White Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph E. White is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.