Southern Pines police add to memorial

"We prayed to God that we would never have to put another name on this wall, and today we have to," Chief Robert Temme said Monday.

Officer Stanley L. Klingenschmidt died Saturday when he crashed his bike while leading a benefit motorcycle ride to raise funds for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. He was a 27-year veteran of the Southern Pines force and had retired as a lieutenant.

"Each of us at the Southern Pines Police Department not only grieves at the passing of a tremendous individual but also for the loss his family suffers," Temme said in a statement Sunday.

"There's a big hole in the heart of all of our departments where Stanley was so much a part," Pinehurst Police Chief Earl Phipps echoed. "He trained the majority of the police officers in this county."

Outside the Southern Pines police headquarters Monday, a patrol car draped in black stood as testament to his contributions.

"Sometimes being a policeman isn't what you do, it's what you are," Temme said.

According to the State Highway Patrol, Klingenschmidt lost control on a curve and went over an embankment.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and two grandsons.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.