FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM)- A 23-year-veteran of the Fayetteville Police Department died unexpectedly over the weekend, only two months and one day after retiring.
Sgt. Carey Hartsfield, 46, started with the department in 1992. Sgt. Craig Stout said Hartsfield worked in several units over the years, including the criminal investigation division, crimes against children and as a night shift sergeant.
"He was an instructor as a drug recognition expert," Stout said. "He would train officers from across the state, how to detect DWIs for things other than alcohol."
Hartsfield was also a volunteer firefighter for Goshen and Round Mountain departments. Stout said Hartsfield died suddenly of a health-related issue on Saturday (Nov. 28).
"We thought we were going to have Carey around for a lot longer," Stout said. "While it may not have been at the department, we had expectations even since his retirement, he had stopped into this office on more than one occasion."
Stout said Hartsfield has two sons, ages 8 and 12. He said their mother died of a sudden heart attack six months ago, leaving the children without parents.
"As his law enforcement family, we're doing everything that we can to make sure those kids are taken care of," Stout said.
Hartsfields' viewing will be Friday (Dec. 4) from 5-8 p.m. at Beard's Funeral Chapel. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 5) at the First Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
A fund has been set up to help his sons' financial needs. It's called the Carey Hartsfield Memorial Fund. Donations can be made at the Bank of Fayetteville.