The Police Benevolent Foundation, Inc. and the North Carolina Division of the Southern States PBA are rallying behind the family of Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy Dewayne Charles Hester who died after a car crash while responding to a call on Friday, June 8, 2012.   Deputy Hester was 39 years old and leaves behind his wife and two children.

The Police Benevolent Foundation has established a “Deputy Dewayne Hester Memorial Fund” at Wells Fargo Bank.  Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under the Police Benevolent Foundation’s account to assist in efforts to provide financial support to Deputy Hester’s family in this time of need.  Bank officials will need to look up the Police Benevolent Foundation and choose the “Deputy Dewayne Hester Memorial Fund” in order to designate the funds to this memorial fund.   Donations can also be made through the Police Benevolent Foundation by clicking here and designating your donation to the Dewayne Hester Fund.

The Police Benevolent Foundation is also taking donations via text message in memory of Deputy Hester. You can help Deputy Hester’s family by texting, “COPS HESTER” to 85944.  A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill. Msg & data rates may apply. Available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile. Must be 18 or older and have authorization of account holder. Donations benefit The Police Benevolent Foundation, collected by Innogive Foundation. Subject to terms: igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 85944 to stop; Text HELP to 85944 for help. The PBF is asking everyone to please pass this information along to friends and family. Deputy Hester’s family will need everyone to rally behind them during this difficult time.

North Carolina PBA Division President Randy Byrd said, “Our thoughts, prayers, and support go out to Deputy Hester’s family during this difficult time.  This incident reminds us all of the dangers that law enforcement officers face and the community support that is needed for our brave men and women who protect us every day.”

It is with a heavy heart that the PBF and NCPBA ask for the help of the community, both locally and nationally, to aid in efforts to provide much needed support to this deputy’s family in this time of distress.