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

• NECP Promotes Chertova to Senior Business Analyst
• Security Industry Veteran Anthony Rumore Launches AegisLead to Help Security Companies Find Business and Manage Growth
• Charlie Shaw and Patrick Carragher win SEO Agency of the Year 2026
• Canadian Woman Plants 1,667 Love Stories in a Field of Peonies That Could Bloom for 100 Years
• Peruvian Gold Wellness Shares Free 2026 Holiday Shopping Guide

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

• New Research Spotlight, Expanding TUSC2 Science & Strategic Development Milestones Put Gene Therapy Innovation into Focus for Genprex (NAS DAQ: GNPX)
• Hall of Fame Speaker Kelly Swanson Competes for National Top Host Title
• Hall of Fame Speaker Kelly Swanson Launches New Book and Brings Comedy Show to Louisburg, NC
• North Carolina Author Carrie Sybert Celebrates Three Published Books
• Access Control Security Shares 5 Ways Retailers Can Prevent Holiday Theft

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.