MONROE, N.C. — Hundreds in Union County are expected to attend the memorial service for a fallen sheriff's sergeant who was killed while on the job.
Thursday, Pastor Steve Jirgal of Lakeview Baptist Church announced funeral arrangements for Sgt. Jeff Greene, who died Wednesday in a traffic accident on U.S. 74.
"Jeff was an all-in kind of person, and you knew that when he was there. He was all there," Jirgal said.
Greene was an active member of the church for nearly a decade, serving as a Sunday school teacher, going on mission trips and helping with Bible studies.
Jirgal said on the morning of his death, Greene's wife of more than 20 years, April Greene, told him, "Have a good day. I love you. See you tonight.’"
[ Beloved Union Co. sergeant dies when truck overturns on cruiser ]
"April has a toughness about her. She's a strong woman. But in moments like these, how tough can you be to handle all of this?" Jirgal said.
As funeral arrangements move forward, North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers' investigation into the crash that killed Greene continue.
FUNERAL DETAILS:
- Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lakeview Baptist Church in Monroe.
- The memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday.
- Greene will be buried at Lakeland Memorial Cemetery in Monroe following the service.
- Leave your condolences for Sgt. Greene online guestbook
Thursday, Channel 9 obtained a vehicle inspection report from state troopers that detailed two violations found after Eddie Weeks lost control of his semi-truck and jackknifed, rolling on top of Greene's cruiser and another car.
In the report, troopers noted two of the 10 brakes on Weeks' truck were rated deficient according to federal safety guidelines.
Investigators told Eyewitness News that Weeks' truck should not have been on the road and that the violations would have constituted him to pull his truck out of service.
"If that truck was stopped on that day and he had these violations at the time of the trooper's stop, he would have been placed out of service," said Trooper Gregory Clemmons. "That means that vehicle cannot leave that location until those repairs are made by a certified mechanic."
Troopers said the brake deficiencies were not the cause of the crash, but said they could have been a danger to the safety of the traveling public, according to federal guidelines.
"It doesn't mean that your brakes won't work. It means they will not stop adequately," Clemmons said.
Weeks is facing misdemeanor death by vehicle charges.
2nd victim describes horrific crash
The tractor-trailer also partially landed on a Kia at the stop light. The victim in the Kia, Amber McCann, reached out to Channel 9 Thursday and told reporter Kathryn Burcham what happened.
Here is what happened in her own words:
“I was in the passing lane stopped for the red light on I-74. Deputy Greene was waiting to turn in the far left lane. I looked into my rear-view mirror and saw the truck speeding towards me already at a tilt and heading towards the left lane. There was traffic in the intersection. I closed my eyes and waited for impact. Once I felt the jarring from the truck landing on my car, I opened my eyes and immediately saw the officer's car pinned under the truck's trailer. Unable to get out of the driver's door I climbed out of the passenger's side and rushed to render help to the officer. But when I approached the car I saw there was no movement and came to the mind-numbing realization that there was no way the officer could have survived. I then went to help the truck driver who had overturned and who was trying to climb out of the cab which was lying on its passenger side. Unfortunately, I was not of much assistance there either but rescue was able to remove him. When I realized that as a nurse myself, there was nothing I could do, I walked back to my car and I broke down crying. Luckily the driver of the tanker truck was kind enough to try to console me. I would like to thank him and the wonderful EMTs and nurses that hugged me and held my hand that morning.
Here's what I want everyone to know: I am very grateful to be alive, however, I do not see why I should be here, alive and safe and with my family while his family is mourning their loss. So as I struggle with my emotions of guilt, thankfulness, anger and of course the ‘why me,’ just know that I do NOT matter in this scenario. Deputy Greene, the man who risked his life every day to protect us -- that man, his family, the other officers, nurses, firefighters and EMTs he worked with every day -- are the ones who deserve your sympathies and your support. This tragedy was sudden and unexpected. This is not how an officer or anyone else’s life should end. I pray he never saw it coming. I could not do anything for him, but if we come together and support his family and let them know how much we appreciate everything he and them have sacrificed, maybe they will find some small glimmer of hope and peace in humanity.
Also, please do not forget to pray for the driver of the truck. He has a long road ahead of him as well. He now has to spend the rest of his life knowing his actions and decisions caused someone else's death.”
FULL ORIGINAL STORY: Beloved Union Co. sergeant dies when truck overturns on cruiser
In honor of Greene, Heroes Memorial Foundation is sponsoring a Lights on Event on Facebook. From now until he is laid to rest, we ask all people to turn on their porch light in his honor.
To become part of this event, click here. Heroes Memorial Foundation Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 corporation based in Okeechobee, Florida.