Murdered 77-year-old Mississippi officer will be remembered with apparel fundraiser for his family
ncarol.com/10062695

SMITHFIELD, N.C. - ncarol.com -- After falling in the line of duty last weekend, a 77-year-old  sheriff's deputy in Mississippi will be honored with an apparel fundraiser for his family from Shield Republic Charities.

The American lifestyle brand has launched a "Hold the Line" campaign in honor of Deputy Sheriff James Blair of the Simpson County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Sheriff Blair lost his life when he was transporting an inmate to the Region 8 mental health facility in Mendenhall, Mississippi the afternoon of Friday, June 12. The suspect, Joaquin Blackwell, shot Deputy Blair dead before making his escape. After a 24-hour manhunt, Blackwell was captured and taken into custody. He has been charged with capital murder of a peace officer.

The beloved former crossing guard was delaying retirement so he and his wife could care for his three grandchildren, whose mother had died. In addition to his work transporting prisoners to Region 8 and the local hospital, the lifelong first responder had also served as a school resource officer and a paramedic.

More on ncarol.com

• Matthew Cossolotto Spotlights Make a Promise Day 2026 Events, Including Official Launch of Harness Your PromisePower and Issuing a "Peace Promise"
• Landmark Expands Services to Include Specialized Glass and Glazing Solutions Across Los Angeles
• As Pentagon Releases Ufo Files, Debut Ya Novel Predicted It All
• RAATV Premieres Original Reality Series "The Access Index: Jackson" June, 19
• Connecticut Resident Develops Patent-Pending Concept Exploring a New Approach to GPS Navigation

The "Hold the Line" fundraiser for Deputy Sheriff Blair will feature the sale of special apparel including t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, ladies' tank tops and decals, with net proceeds to be donated to Deputy Sheriff Blair's family.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Deputy Sheriff Blair, a truly honorable public servant who upheld his duties to the end of his career in law enforcement," said Charlie Romero, spokesperson for Shield Republic. "Today we salute this hero for laying down his life to serve and protect. Our Hold the Line campaign in his honor is a tribute to his incredible service and his sacrifice."

View the Hold the Line fundraiser page for Deputy Sheriff Blair at https://www.shieldrepublic.com/products/100-donation-hold-the-line-deputy-sheriff-james-blair.

Shield Republic's Hold the Line fundraisers have donated more than $300,000 this year to the families and units of fallen first responders, police officers and K9 police dogs.

More on ncarol.com

• JP Events Azerbaijan to Host 2nd Women in Motorsport Event During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Week
• Resident Inspect Joins Property Meld Nexus Network with API Integration
• L2 Aviation Awarded IDIQ Contract by the U.S. Army for M1A2 Abrams Tank
• Sycor.Rental Named Among 2026 Best Microsoft Dynamics ERP Supply Chain Solutions
• Veikkaus Appoints New CFO as Finland's Gambling Monopoly Braces for Breakup

For more information about the Shield Republic Charities, contact charities@shieldrepublic.com.

About Shield Republic

Established in 2016, Shield Republic is an American lifestyle brand based outside Raleigh, North Carolina. The company offers creative, fresh apparel and merchandise embodying American pride. Everything sold by Shield Republic is designed and manufactured in the United States. Shield Republic appeals to patriotic Americans passionate about personal strength, second amendment rights and military strength. Through Shield Republic Charities, the company shows appreciation to soldiers, first responders and their families.

Learn more about Shield Republic and shop the online store at https://www.shieldrepublic.com.