03/01/2026
**UPDATE** Due to an outpouring of support and a multitude of those looking to help, a GoFundMe account has been established to help support the 9 month old daughter of fallen Master Trooper Steven Perry. Those looking to help can so so by visiting the provided link: https://gofund.me/32d0d6684
Member Line of Duty Death: Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
Dear Patrol Family,
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our own. Master Trooper Steven J. Perry has passed away from an on-duty traffic collision while working in Durham County. Initial indications are that early this morning he was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver while traveling on NC-147. The other involved driver is also deceased from the traffic collision.
Trooper Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and has served Durham County throughout his nearly 7-year career. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow troopers who had the privilege of serving alongside him. We ask that you keep the entirety of his family and our Patrol Family in your thoughts.
We would like to thank the Durham County Emergency Medical Services, Durham Fire Department, Durham Police Department and the North Carolina Department of Transportation IMAP Division for their extensive assistance at the scene of this crash.
As further details become available and as a celebration of life service is planned, we will ensure that details are shared.
Please stay safe, take care of one another and keep the family in your prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr.
