Wayne County Sheriffs Office, North Carolina • Line of Duty Death: August 2, 2022
August 1, 2022, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Matthew Ryan Fishman sustained fatal gunshot wounds while serving involuntary commitment papers. Fishman was transported to ECU Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds the next day, August 2nd.
As a child, Fishman dreamt of becoming a law enforcement officer and was able to begin his career with the Mount Olive Police Department before moving to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in 2010. Fishman continued to serve as an auxiliary officer with the Mount Olive Police Department. Fishman had served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years where he also served on the Dive Team and as a K-9 Handler.
Fishman is remembered by those who knew and loved him as dependable, selfless, and ready to help others at any given time. He was a man of devout faith, and belonged to the Love Memorial Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband and father, always prioritizing time spent with them over everything else. He loved to go on Jeep rides with his wife and children, and take them on camping trips to the beach or on day trips around Eastern North Carolina.
Sergeant Matthew Ryan Fishman is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two children, Nolan and Kara.
