BOONE, NC (WBTV) -
Nearly three weeks after Watauga County Sheriff Deputy William Mast, Jr was killed in the line of duty, his widow Paige gave birth to a son.
William Hunter Mast was born Sunday at Watauga Medical Center. Sheriff Len Hagaman says the boy was 6 pounds, 15 ounces. "I know Paige and I know the family sees this as a high point, a happy point." Hagaman said it has been a difficult couple of weeks for his officers and for the family of the slain deputy.
Deputy Mast was killed while investigating an open 911 call. The man who shot Mast was in turn shot and killed by a second deputy who was at the scene. Mast was the first Watauga Sheriff's deputy ever killed in the line of duty.
"What has helped is how the community has come together," said Hagaman. Almost immediately after the shooting people were calling his office and asking how they could help the family.
Attention focused on Mast's unborn child. His wife was 8 months pregnant when he was killed. Since then, fundraisers have been a weekly thing from auctions, to dinners and more. At Wee Cycle Children's Consignment Shop donations are being taken for the family of William Mast, Jr. At the Sheriff's office wristbands are for sale for $5 apiece.
"We've already sold 1500, "said one of the women in the Records Department. "More are being ordered." Proceeds from the wristband sales will go to a scholarship fund for the newborn child.
People who know the family said the outpouring from the community has been important. "It's a comfort to see the love," said Kim Greer.
Michelle Church, who is from Boone but lives in Charlotte, was helping the folks at Wee Cycle prepare for their big sale and fundraising effort this weekend. The healing process will take some time for the community, she said. "Something like this doesn't go away in a few weeks," she said.
No hard figures are in yet but fundraising totals have exceeded $20,000 so far, said officials.
