Christopher Scott Horne

9/15/69 - 8/15/20

Deputy Sheriff Chris Horne worked for the Union County Sheriff's Office from June 3, 2013 until August 15, 2020. Prior to his service with the Sheriff's Office, he also worked for several years with the Monroe Police Department and briefly with the Waxhaw Police Department. In addition, Chris served for two years with the Stallings Police Department.
While with the Sheriff's Office, Chris worked as a contract deputy in Indian Trail before his assignment to the Traffic Unit. However, it was his nearly four years of service as a deputy sheriff assigned to the Sheriff's Alcohol Field Enforcement (SAFE) unit where he discovered his true passion. Chris quickly established himself as a subject matter expert in impaired driving investigations and worked diligently to not only remove dangerous and impaired drivers from the highways, but he used every traffic stop as an opportunity to educate motorists, especially young drivers, about the hazards of impaired and distracted driving. His dedication and commitment to his calling undoubtedly made a difference in countless lives. One of the recognitions he was most proud of was being recognized by MADD (Mothers against Drunk Drivers) as the 2017 Deputy of the Year.

Chris tragically lost his life following an off duty motorcycle accident on Griffith Road on August 15, 2020. His contagious smile and upbeat personality were an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Chase Hampton Coble

3/16/76 - 10/11/19

Captain Chase Coble worked for the Union County Sheriff’s Office from October 6, 2003 until October 11, 2019. Prior to working with the UCSO, he worked for over 6 years as a Marshville Police Officer. Although he served in numerous capacities within the Sheriff’s Office, the majority of his career involved assignment to the Indian Trail Division where he rose through the ranks from Deputy Sheriff to Captain of the Division, serving as the “de facto” Police Chief. As the Indian Trail Captain, he efficiently managed expansion of the division as the Town of Indian Trail experienced tremendous growth. Captain Coble was a tremendous asset to the citizens of Indian Trail and a key adviser to the town leaders. On October 11, 2019, Union County suffered a huge loss with the sudden unexpected death of Captain Coble but the legacy he left behind will carry on in the hearts of many for years to come.

Jeffrey Wayne Greene

7/21/60 - 11/19/14

Sergeant Jeff Greene began working for the Sheriff’s Office on December 13, 2004 as a Detention Officer. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in November 2005. In September 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was sworn as a Deputy Sheriff in December 2006. In 2012, he was assigned to Support Services where he continued to serve. On November 19, 2014, Sgt. Greene was operating a marked UCSO vehicle and sitting at a traffic light in Monroe on US 74, waiting to turn on to Sutherland Avenue. While there, an approaching tractor and trailer truck failed to stop in time and jackknifed, causing the truck to flip over on top of Sgt. Greene’s patrol car, killing him instantly. Sgt. Greene’s death marked the first line of duty death of a UCSO employee.

Samantha Rose Hanner

12/12/74 - 10/26/14

Sergeant Samantha Hanner was hired as a Detention Officer on January 5, 2009. In January 2012, she was promoted to the rank of Corporal and in December 2012, she became a Sergeant. On October 26, 2014, Sergeant Hanner died unexpectedly at home.

James Kirkley

8/13/67 - 11/02/12

Sergeant James Kirkley began his UCSO career on August 22, 1988 as a Detention Officer. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in December 2001 and became a Sergeant in April 2008. He worked in several divisions within the Sheriff’s Office throughout his 24 years of service, including the Jail, the Civil Bureau, Patrol, Court Security as well as a School Resource Officer (SRO). After undergoing surgery for a cancerous brain tumor in 2005, followed by several years of treatment, Kirkley continued to perform the duties of his job. In August 2009, he was responding to a shots fired call on Poplin Road when the drivers of two vehicles racing one another at high rates of speed saw blue lights and one lost control, veered off the road and struck Sgt. Kirkley knocking him nearly 45 feet backwards. Sgt. Kirkley suffered head trauma and several broken bones but he recovered and returned to work. However, by August of 2012, the cancer returned and he died on November 2, 2012. Sgt. Kirkley will always be remembered for his huge personality as well as his strength of character and determination.

Kenneth Ray Benton

7/16/46 - 2/06/04

Deputy Sheriff Ken Benton graduated from the 2nd Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class through South Piedmont Community College (SPCC), a night class. On June 7, 2001, former Sheriff Frank McGuirt swore him in as a “special deputy” to assist the Civil Bureau with serving civil processes. He became a part-time deputy sheriff on November 19, 2001, once a position became available and on February 24, 2003, Sheriff Eddie Cathey swore him in as a full time deputy sheriff and assigned him to the Civil Bureau. Deputy Sheriff Benton passed away on February 6, 2004, after a brief battle with cancer.