GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gaston County Sheriff's Office marked the one-year anniversary of the Surf & Turf Lodge tragedy by awarding one of its deputies with the first-annual "Kate Self Award" during a private ceremony Monday.
Cpl. Self and her sister-in-law, Amanda Self, died after police said her father, Roger Self, intentionally drove his car into the Surf and Turf Lodge while the entire family was out to lunch last year.
"It just seems like it was yesterday," Sheriff Alan Cloninger said. "It's a loss that I know I'll personally never get over."
Sheriff Cloninger was close to the Self family, and he said Roger Self personally recommended his daughter be hired.
"We gave her a chance, and she excelled," Sheriff Cloninger said. "She was a free spirit that could make anyone smile."
Sheriff Cloninger said the "Kate Self Award" will recognize a deputy who performs well at their job and maintains the office's family atmosphere.
Meanwhile, others affected by the incident, including the Surf & Turf Lodge's owner, held private ceremonies to remember Cpl. Self and Amanda Self, who was a trauma nurse at CaroMont Health in Gastonia.
Roger Self remains in Central Prison in Raleigh as he awaits a February 2020 trial.