Danny Dixon

"Courageous in a time of Danger" was the motto of the Fayetteville Police Department which was the focus of retired Police Chief Danny Dixon as he pursued his dreams to keep the citizens of Fayetteville safe from harm. On Wednesday, December 26, 2012, he walked into the gates of Heaven leaving a legacy of a job well done.Chief Dixon, 75, was born in Washington, D.C. on August 20, 1937 in MSgt. Keith and Cornelia Dixon. Being in a military family, he traveled across the country and settled in Fayetteville, NC when his father retired from the United States Army.He joined the Fayetteville Police Department in 1960. Danny rose steadily through the ranks of Sergeant, Captain, and was promoted in 1976 as the youngest Chief of Police in the history of the department. During his career with the police department, he was accredited with starting new pathways by employing the first Police K-9’s, the first SWAT/Tactical Units, and the establishment of the Fayetteville Police Academy. Chief Dixon directed police protection in multiple settings for President Jimmy Carter, Governor Jim Hunt, and numerous Commanding Generals stationed at Fort Bragg.His key to longevity was being physically fit. He was a Police self-defense instructor and a Police Distinguished Firearms Champion who led the department to multiple championships. Chief Dixon was known around the State of North Carolina for his abilities to consistently shoot through the same hole. He was among the first graduates from Fayetteville State University to receive a degree in Police Science and was issued the very "First" Advanced Law-Enforcement Certificate in North Carolina.Chief Dixon leaves behind his wife, Christy Dixon of Morganton; a son, Danny Dixon and wife, Deborah, of Morganton; a daughter, Diane LeMaster and husband, Chip, of Virginia Beach, VA; two grandchildren, Daniel Dixon, III of Norfolk, VA, and Stephanie LeMaster of Japan; six great-grandsons; and two sisters, Donna Dixon and LuAnn Seay, both of Fayetteville. However, we cannot forget Buster, Puff, and Little Man, his beloved canine companions.In Morganton on Friday, December 28, 2012, the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. A rosary for family and friends will be said at the funeral home at 5:30 pm.A funeral mass will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, December 29, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fayetteville with Father David Noone officiating. Burial will follow at the Lafayette Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday from 10:30 am until 12 Noon.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.