Slain Greensboro Police Sgt. Dale Nix laid to rest

Mourners gathered Thursday for the funeral service of Greensboro Police Sergeant Dale Nix.

The service at Westover Church in Greensboro began with the hymn "How Great Thou Art" and featured speakers recounting Nix’s passion for his community service, his belief in the importance of justice and his leadership in the police department.

Beyond the badge, they described a man with a servant’s heart who could make anyone feel like a best friend.

Nix died when he was shot while trying to thwart a theft at a gas station in Colfax on December 30 while off duty.

Sonya Desai worked alongside Nix at the Guilford County Family Justice Center, where he advocated on behalf of crime victims. She described him as a loving family man, a patriot and the definition of what it means to be a cop in America.

“And finally Sgt. Dale Nix confronted evil, so he could protect us,” she says.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson spoke through tears and he described what Nix meant to the department.

“His kindness, warmth and genuine care for others were among the hallmarks of his character," he says. "The hallmarks of a legacy that will endure in the memories that we share and the stories we tell, and the lessons he taught us through his commitment to service.” 

As the service neared the end, a dispatcher’s voice could be heard calling out to the officer, who does not respond, in a ritual that signals the end of a final tour of duty: “All units. All units. Badge 873, Sgt. Dale Nix, has 10-42 for the final time. End of watch December 30, 2023. Thank you for your service.”

Three people have been charged in connection with Nix’s death.