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Incident
Auxiliary Deputy Ervin Penland succumbed to injuries sustained on January 15th, 1974, while he and his partner pursued a vehicle along Beaverdam Road at about 7:30 pm. He was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital before being transported to the VA Hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries. Deputy Penland had served as full-time deputy for four years before resigning two weeks before the crash to take a higher-paying job in the private sector. He continued with the department as an unpaid volunteer auxiliary deputy after resigning.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Auxiliary Deputy Penland gave the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Asheville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Auxiliary Deputy Penland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Ervin is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
Ervin is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ervin is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 6 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1974, 98 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1974, 106 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Ervin was 40. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. Ervin had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
Ervin was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Ervin had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ervin was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Ervin had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 10.2% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Mondays: 10.7%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 15.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Ervin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Buncombe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
