Raeford and Hoke County lost a remarkable man a year ago in Sheriff Hubert Peterkin, and now Cape Fear Valley Health has honored him at their Hoke Hospital facility.
Sheriff Peterkin died unexpectedly on October 22, 2021, after a distinguished 34-year career in law enforcement. Cape Fear Valley Health paid tribute to his legacy by unveiling the Sheriff Hubert Peterkin Community Room on Tuesday at the Hoke Hospital.
“He loved his community, and it was expressed by way of the service he gave as a career law enforcement officer,” said Roxie Wells, MD, president of Hoke Hospital. “He was dedicated to ensuring justice for victims of crime and their families, but he was just as passionate about ensuring justice through the legal system for those who committed crimes. It may seem like an oxymoron to be passionate about but that is exactly who he was.”
The ceremony was attended by current Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil, Hubert’s son Antonio Peterkin, as well as Cape Fear Valley Health Chief Executive Officer Michael Nagowski. A host of others, including Captain Steven Blakley of the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office were in attendance as well.
“It’s known that there’s a tight bond between law enforcement officers, but the bond between law enforcement officers and medical staff is a big bond, too,” Blakley said. “We rely on each other for day-to-day operations. They help us, we help them, and this is a good thing for the community.”
The Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation is also creating a Sheriff Hubert Peterkin Memorial Scholarship fund for the dependent of a Hoke County law enforcement officer.
“Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation is incredibly honored to establish a scholarship fund for future healthcare professionals who are dependents of Hoke County law enforcement in memory of the late Sheriff Peterkin who gave so selflessly to his community,” Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Vice President Sabrina Brooks said. “His legacy will forever be embedded in this community and with the Foundation through this scholarship fund.”
Donations are being accepted with the goal to endow the scholarship so that the awards may continue in perpetuity. The fund will be endowed once it reaches $25,000. More information about donating to this scholarship fund can be found at www.cfvfoundation.org.
