About Us
No matter who you speak with, everyone has the same story about “Who Tyler Herndon” was and what was important to him and it is very apparent that he was very loved, respected and appreciated. Most of his friends will tell you that Tyler was the “jokester” of the crowd, always making others laugh, belting out his favorite songs at the top of his lungs, and the love he had for his parents, sister, girlfriend, grandparents, family, friends, and his first responder family was immeasurable and his joy always shined in everything he did. Tyler was very humble, raised in the small town of Kings Mountain, he graduated from Kings Mountain High School and later attended UNC-Charlotte where he obtained his Criminal Justice degree. He was then hired by Mt. Holly Police Department and his dream became his reality as he became Officer Tyler Herndon. Every day he put on his uniform, there was so much meaning behind the badge to Tyler and his goal was to serve and protect those in his community and always “Be in Pursuit of the Ultimate Good!”
Unbeknownst to Tyler, Fox 46 had been called by someone in the community because they had viewed the selfless acts of kindness that he and his partner had shown to those in the community. He had no idea anyone was watching, and that was Tyler, always finding a way to help others. The Mount Holly police officer loved his career. He was a son, a brother, and boyfriend who also loved his family and community.
Tyler’s Father, Mark Herndon lights up as he speaks about the stories he has been told about his son. Everyone would continually tell his parents Mark and Debbie Herndon how much he cared for people.
He would help people in Mount Holly off the street. I know for a fact that the Wednesday the night before he got shot he did,” Mark Herndon said. “It was at a gas station because a friend of mine saw him when he was ministering to a Mom and her child helping them out buying them a few groceries at the convenience store out of money out of his own pocket. He’s done that several times. He never told me about it. But I know he’s done it, other people told me so.”
Tragically on December 11, 2020, Tyler was killed in the line of duty two days before his 26th Birthday. Hundreds of family, friends, and people who wanted to show their condolences came out to the candlelight vigils held in Mt. Holly, NC and Kings Mountain, NC on Sunday, December 13, 2020, which would have been Tyler’s 26th Birthday to show their love and respect for their “Hometown Hero.”