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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne was shot and killed after responding to investigate reports of trespassing at a home on Morrison Bridge Road.
While questioning two brothers he learned that one of them had a warrant for outstanding child support. As he attempted to place the man under arrest the man fatally shot him with a handgun. The suspect then committed suicide.
Deputy Rhyne had served with the Moore County Sheriff's Office for four years and had a total of 37 years in law enforcement. He had previously served with the Pinehurst Police Department and as police chief of the Foxfire Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
37 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Rhyne gave the Moore County Sheriff's Office 37 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Carthage community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rhyne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Moore County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2011, 2 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 64th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 2011, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2011, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 58. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Richard had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Richard was 58. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 58. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 6.2% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Moore County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Moore County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Moore County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
