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Incident
Sergeant Heath Hardin suffered a fatal heart attack while he and his K9 partner searched a wooded area near U.S. 301 and Tom Starling Road for a person who had fled from officers on foot.
The person and another man had stolen gas from a service station earlier in the day and fled from their vehicle after being spotted by officers.
One perpetrator was apprehended at the scene, but the other suspect was able to flee into the woods, approximately two miles from where the vehicle was stopped. Sergeant Hardin collapsed during the pursuit. The suspect was apprehended later in the afternoon. He was charged with stealing gas, driving with a revoked license, eluding arrest, and reckless driving. No charges were filed in connection with Sergeant Hardin's death.
Sergeant Hardin had served with the Hope Mills Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who became a law enforcement officer.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Hardin gave the Hope Mills Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hope Mills community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hardin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Hope Mills Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 33 officers lost to cardiac events in NC, 5% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2007, 1 officer in NC was lost to cardiac events, the 5th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1967, with 2.
In 2007, 13 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2007, 13 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 35. Of the 33 lost to cardiac events in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 53; the middle age was 46. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
James was 35. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 35. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 15.2% of these deaths in NC, more than any other month. Thursdays: 18.2%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.5%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Hope Mills Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 5% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Hope Mills Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hope Mills Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
