Last Updated on October 8, 2026 6:48 pm
On Tuesday, September 29th, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 6th annual Rooftop Cops event at Bojangles in Jefferson, in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Local and State law enforcement officers gather on the roof of Bojangles to raise funds for children in and from Ashe County who are battling cancer.
The annual event brought together multiple agencies to support local children and their families in need. Local and State Officers stood atop Bojangles, waving to passersby and engaging with visitors who stopped to donate. Participating agencies included the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, Ashe Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Police Department, West Jefferson Police Department, North Carolina State Parks, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and North Carolina Wildlife Resources.
While law enforcement is front and center, the core of the event is supported and driven by the local non-profit, Badges of Ashe. President Michele Green, Christy Pruitt, and Lisa Miller stood the entire day beside law enforcement, raising funds and speaking with families. “Badges of Ashe is honored to be a part of Rooftop Cops. For us, it’s more than just a fundraiser; it’s law enforcement and volunteers showing up for their community. This event reflects the dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to supporting the families of Ashe County,” said Green.
Sheriff Howell began Rooftop Cops to bring these families a glimmer of hope and support from their community. This year marks the 6th year of climbing on the roofs of local fast-food restaurants to raise money for diagnosed children and their families in the community, easing some of the financial burden that comes with these diagnoses. Funds have been provided to many local children, and more than $80,000 has been raised, including this year.
“This year, we have helped two families with the funds we raised from the 2025 event. Including the Hare family. Merritt is a 2-year-old who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in the summer of 2026. This year’s event will continue to support Merritt with the remaining funds reserved for other local families through the following year. 100% of the money raised stays right here, helping families when they need it most,” said Sheriff Howell.
This was the 3rd year on the roof of Bojangles in Jefferson. Live music ran from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Doug Davis Band from Wilkesboro and Ashe County’s own Glen Sullivan. Maria from Bojangles made balloon animals for all the children who came in, while students from Ashe County High School painted faces. The Oak Hill Men’s Basketball team came by, had dinner and showed their support, and a few of them even joined officers on the roof.
Bojangles once again donated 100% of its sales that day to support the event. Thanks to that generosity and the outpouring from the community, the Sheriff’s Office announced it has raised approximately $23,100, with more to come over the next few days. The total breaks the event’s record.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked Ashe County, Bojangles, Badges of Ashe for its help with organizing, fundraising and supporting the event, and all the law enforcement officers who took time out of their day to show support.
If you or someone you know has a child who is battling cancer, please get in touch with Tasha Francis and the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office at 336-846-5995.
