Rodeo fundraiser raises money in honor of local fallen law enforcement officer

A local rodeo held to remember a fallen law enforcement officer will raise funds again this week to help a foundation assist others with their public safety careers.

The second Shields & Spurs Pro Rodeo, organized in memory of Dylan Harrison, is set for Friday and Saturday at the Southern Pines Ag & Expo Arena. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 7 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m., said Misty Brantley, the director and founder of the rodeo. The rodeo contractor is T-T Rodeo Company while the stock contractor will be Sundown Cattle Company.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate with cash, venmo or cashapp.

“Seeing the community come together last year meant so much to us, and it showed that people truly want to support our law enforcement officers and keep the memory of our fallen heroes alive,” she said. “What I love most is that it brings families, law enforcement, first responders and the community together for something positive. It’s a fun rodeo, but there is a much deeper purpose behind it.” 

Harrison, who was a member of the Oconee Drug Task Force, was ambushed and killed on Oct. 9, 2021 outside the Alamo Police Department. That was his first shift working part-time for the APD. 

“The idea came from wanting to create something that would honor Dylan Harrison and bring the community together in support of law enforcement,” Brantley said. “I’m married to a state trooper who actually played taps at Dylan’s funeral, so this hits very close to home for me. I couldn’t think of a more deserving family to honor. I wanted this to be an event people could enjoy with their families while also taking time to remember why we are there. Dylan’s sacrifice should never be forgotten, and Shields & Spurs became a way to turn that remembrance into something meaningful year after year.”

  Harrison’s father, Jeff, plans to have his son’s car parked up front of the venue.

“We are expecting to have a pretty good turnout from the different law enforcement agencies,” he said. “We have a great rodeo group and they have a lot of things planned. Misty has a lot of things planned between the rides. We have food vendors and a lot of other vendors who will be setting up crafts to sell.”

From last year’s fundraiser, the Harrison’s were able to give a scholarship to Dayten Yarbrough, who like their son, attended West Laurens High School. 

“Through much of (Yarbrough’s) high school career, he had been going through EMT and firefighter courses and things like that,” Jeff said. “He was a senior and already registered for school to further his education as an EMT. We presented him a scholarship to help out a little bit with his financial needs. Kathy had watched him throughout the years and the path he is taking is a lot like Dylan’s path. He is a super-nice young kid from a great family. We were super excited to do that for him.”

Which is what the rodeo was created to do.

“The proceeds will fund a scholarship for a high school senior who plans to pursue a career in public service and demonstrates the qualities Dylan embodied,” Brantley said. “This scholarship will help honor Dylan’s commitment to serving others while encouraging the next generation to follow his example. Through this scholarship, Dylan’s name, service, and legacy will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

The crowd will be able to see bull riding, bronco busting and barrel racing. Brantley said competitors will be coming from across the Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. 

“It’s exciting to see people willing to travel to Dublin to compete and be part of an event that has such a meaningful purpose,” she added. “We want everyone to know that this event is truly about honoring those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. We hope people will bring their families, enjoy a great night of rodeo, and help us show our law enforcement families that they are supported and remembered. We also hope the scholarship will inspire a deserving student to pursue a career in public service while carrying forward the qualities Dylan represented. More than a rodeo, it’s a tribute — because heroes should never be forgotten.”