Court Officer Charles James Lau, Macon County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Court Officer Charles James Lau

Macon County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, September 28, 2024

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Charles James Lau

Court Officer Sheriff Jim Lau was killed when his vehicle was swept away by unexpected rushing water from the Cullasaja River during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Officer Lau's body was recovered about three miles from where his truck was last seen, and his vehicle was located a week later.

Hurricane Helene was the deadliest storm to hit North Carolina. The heavy rains and damaging winds caused major landslides and flash flooding, damaging over 6,000 miles of roads and knocking out power to over 900,000 residents throughout western North Carolina. As of February 2025, over 100 deaths in North Carolina were attributed to Hurricane Helene, with two of the deaths from Macon County.

Officer Lau was a United States Air Force Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Macon County Sheriff's Office for over 11 years. He previously served with the Volusia County, Florida, Sheriff's Office for 23 years and the Cody, Wyoming, Airport Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two stepsons, a stepdaughter, and four grandchildren.

Bio

Age 75
Tour 38 years
Badge 5767
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Weather/Natural disaster

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America's Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His mighty and holy Name, and by His Authority, I pray for America's Fallen Peace Officers and for all those left behind! Amen.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9 ESV)

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 ESV)

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed/Certified Independent Christian Clergy
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

February 11, 2025