RAEFORD, N.C. – Oct. 25, 2022 – Cape Fear Valley Health’s Hoke Hospital officially honored the late Sheriff Hubert Peterkin today with the unveiling of the Sheriff Hubert Peterkin Community Room and the announcement of a new scholarship in the late sheriff’s honor. Officials were joined by family and community members for the ceremony, which ended in the unveiling of a large bronze memorial plaque outside of the room, which is located on the second floor of Hoke Hospital.
Sheriff Peterkin had a distinguished 34-year career in law enforcement and was a lifelong resident of Hoke County. A tireless advocate for his community and law enforcement reform, he earned the respect of those who knew him personally and professionally. The ceremony comes almost a year to the date of his passing on Oct. 22, 2021.
“He loved his community, and it was expressed by way of the service he gave as a career law enforcement officer,” said Roxie Wells, MD, president of Hoke Hospital. “He was dedicated to ensuring justice for victims of crime and their families, but he was just as passionate about ensuring justice through the legal system for those who committed crimes. It may seem like an oxymoron to be passionate about but that is exactly who he was.”
Along with Dr. Wells, the ceremony also included remembrances from current Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil; Peterkin’s son, Antonio Peterkin; and Cape Fear Valley Health Chief Executive Officer Michael Nagowski. Dr. Christopher Stackhouse, Sr., lead pastor of Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, opened the ceremony by giving the invocation and blessing of the room, and Cape Fear Valley’s Chaplain Rev. Cynthia Brasher also gave a benediction to close the event.
Captain Steven Blakley of the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office said he thought the ceremony and dedication were very nice tributes to Peterkin.
“It’s known that there’s a tight bond between law enforcement officers, but the bond between law enforcement officers and medical staff is a big bond, too,” Blakley said. “We rely on each other for day-to-day operations. They help us, we help them, and this is a good thing for the community.”
In addition to the unveiling, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Vice President Sabrina Brooks announced the establishment of the Sheriff Hubert Peterkin Memorial Scholarship, which will provide a $1,000 educational scholarship for the dependent of a Hoke County law enforcement officer who will be attending a two- or four-year college to pursue a degree in health sciences.
“Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation is incredibly honored to establish a scholarship fund for future healthcare professionals who are dependents of Hoke County law enforcement in memory of the late Sheriff Peterkin who gave so selflessly to his community. His legacy will forever be embedded in this community and with the Foundation through this scholarship fund,” said Brooks.
During her remarks, Dr. Wells announced that she and her husband, Dr. Reginald Wells, were pleased to make an initial donation to the scholarship.
“A good man’s legacy is solidified by the thoughts and actions of that man extended by those who knew him well,” Dr. Wells said. “My husband, Dr. Reginald Wells, and I, knew Dr. Hubert Peterkin well. With that, we would like to begin his scholarship endowment drive by donating the first educational scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for the dependent of a Hoke County law enforcement officer who will pursue a degree in health science. We ask that you please join us in honoring his memory by donating as well.”
Donations are being accepted with the goal to endow the scholarship so that the awards may continue in perpetuity. The fund will be endowed once it reaches $25,000. More information about donating to this scholarship fund can be found at www.cfvfoundation.org.