Watauga Co. remembers two deputies killed in line of duty one year ago

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Thursday marks one year since two Watauga County deputies were killed during an hours-long standoff.

Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 deputy Logan Fox stopped at a home just east of Boone to check on the homeowner after he and his family did not show up for work.

When they entered the house after discovering all vehicles belonging to the residents were on the property, Isaac Barnes opened fire.

Fox was shot and died at the scene, officials say. Ward died from his gunshot wounds after he was taken to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee.

Investigators say Barnes also killed his mother, his stepfather and then himself.

Related: Officials: Man killed his mother, stepfather and 2 deputies in Watauga County, N.C. mass shooting

Watauga County is calling on residents and business owners to put blue lights outside in honor of the fallen deputies.

The county also asked people to observe a moment of remembrance for one minute starting at 12 p.m. Thursday.

Related: Who were Chris Ward and Logan Fox? Remembering the deputies killed in Watauga County mass shooting

A candlelight vigil at the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office took place at 7:30 p.m.

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