NASH COUNTY, N.C. — A fallen deputy with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office is being honored and remembered through a custom memorial chair. 

The 26-year-old husband and father died while trying to stop a speeding motorcyclist on Thanksgiving Day, 2020. He got into a crash on U.S. Highway 301 in Rocky Mount and died five days later from his injuries. 

(Courtesy Angela McClellen)

The nonprofit, Saving a Hero’s Place, travels the country, making custom, handcrafted chairs for fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. 

Allison’s mother, Angela McClellan, and stepfather, Scott McClellan, helped the nonprofit put the finishing touches on the honor chair before the dedication ceremony. 

She says the memorial chair helps her feel as though a piece of her son is still here. 

“It’s emotional. It’s kind of bittersweet. I mean, you kind of have both worlds,” she said. “His memory’s being kept alive, but then on the other side, you know, this is my normal. I have to wake up every day and he’s not here.”

“In this whole ordeal, the unwavering support from not only the Nash County Sheriff’s Office but, you know, people across the country,” Scott McClellan said. “You see all the horrible news every night, but then you see this kind of stuff and it really hits you right in the heart.” 

Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone held a dedication ceremony, unveiling the memorial to Allison’s colleagues and family members. 

“Thank you for having your son to do such a courageous job,” Stone said. “And being there for us during the difficult times. Not only does the family hurt, the law enforcement agency hurts, and the community hurts when we lose an officer of our own.” 

Angela says Allison’s son is now 12 and doing as well as he can for the circumstances. 

Saving a Hero’s Place works entirely through community support and donations. Learn more about how to help their cause or request a chair here.