Life has a way of bringing several major changes all at once, and right now John and Tara are navigating exactly that.

John recently started a new job and is now facing a healing and recovery period following an injury. While workers’ compensation will help cover medical-related needs, the reality is that recovery still brings daily challenges, schedule changes, and added stress for the whole family.

At the same time, Tara is preparing for one of the biggest milestones of her career — taking the NCLEX — while also managing the transition into a new job beginning later this year. Alongside these changes, they are also working through the demands of moving and adjusting to a season full of uncertainty and transition.

This fundraiser is not about replacing what workers’ compensation covers — it is about surrounding this family with support during a season that feels heavy. Our goal is to help relieve some of the day-to-day stress by assisting with meals, groceries, and practical needs while John heals and Tara focuses on her exam and upcoming career transition.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply helping carry the load.

If you are able to donate, provide a meal, share encouragement, or simply share this fundraiser, every act of kindness means more than words can say.

Thank you for helping support John and Tara as they navigate healing, new beginnings, and all the changes ahead. ❤️

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Rowan County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff: Travis Allen

UPDATE

Rowan County Deputy Pulls Fellow Deputy from Burning Vehicle

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (May 27, 2026) — On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 5:24 pm, Deputy John Stevens and Deputy Mason Doby with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office were responding with emergency lights and siren to a report of an 8-year-old child observed alone in the roadway near Old Cress Road and Shue Road.

While responding to check on the welfare of the child, Deputy Stevens’ patrol vehicle collided with another vehicle after that driver reportedly swerved into the deputy’s lane while attempting to avoid other vehicles that had stopped and were yielding the right of way to the responding deputies.

The collision caused Deputy Steven’s patrol vehicle to run off the roadway into a field, where the vehicle caught fire. Deputy Doby, who was responding directly behind Deputy Stevens, immediately stopped and approached Deputy Steven’s vehicle which had smoke coming from the engine.

Deputy Doby deflated the airbag so that he could better assess Deputy Steven’s injuries and that is when Deputy Stevens advised him that he thought his leg may be broken. Deputy Doby could see that flames were visible through the windshield so, he immediately pulled Deputy Stevens from the burning patrol vehicle, and drug him several feet to ensure that he was at a safe distance from the burning vehicle.

As Deputy Doby moved Deputy Stevens to a safe distance, witnesses alerted him that the other involved vehicle was also beginning to smoke. After ensuring Deputy Stevens was safely away from the burning patrol vehicle, Deputy Doby went to the other vehicle, where he discovered the driver had sustained serious injuries and assisted him from the vehicle.

Deputy Stevens was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and later released, but he will continue receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the collision. The other driver was also transported to the hospital and remains hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries.

The crash was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for Failing to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Collision, Driving Left of Center, and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the quick and decisive actions of Deputy Doby, whose efforts provided life-saving assistance to both individuals involved in the collision. Without his immediate response and courage under pressure, the outcome could have been far more serious. We are continuing to keep in contact with the other involved driver to monitor his condition, and we wish him a speedy recovery.