Eyes in the Sky: The Holly Ridge Police Department Coin

by Thin Blue Line USA October 28, 2025

Each month, our Challenge Coin Club delivers more than just a piece of metal; it delivers a story. It’s a tangible piece of history from a department somewhere in this country, representing the honor, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the officers who serve there. This month, we are proud to present a coin that brilliantly captures a department's unique identity, its commitment to regional safety, and a healthy dose of local humor: the Holly Ridge Police Department custom challenge coin.

To get the full story behind this exceptional design, we spoke with Sergeant Hunter Jones of the Holly Ridge Police Department. His insights shed light on a department deeply connected to its community, its military heritage, and its pivotal role in a statewide safety initiative. The coin is a masterclass in symbolic storytelling, weaving together history, duty, and a clever inside joke.

A Department Driven by Service and Partnership

The Holly Ridge Police Department (HRPD) serves a close-knit community in Onslow County, North Carolina. While modest in size, its impact is amplified through strong local connections and strategic partnerships. A key figure in these efforts is Sergeant Jones, who not only serves as a Patrol Supervisor for HRPD but also acts as the Onslow County NCGHSP coordinator for the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP).

"We have a very personal connection with our community," Sergeant Jones noted. "Our officers know the residents, and the residents know them. It creates a level of trust and cooperation that is vital to effective policing."

The NCGHSP is a statewide effort aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities through high-visibility enforcement and public awareness campaigns. In his role, Sergeant Jones coordinates collaborative operations, bringing together multiple law enforcement agencies from across the region to tackle issues like speeding and impaired driving. This teamwork is crucial for a smaller department like Holly Ridge, allowing them to extend their reach and enhance the safety of the entire area.

A Design Forged in History and Humor

The Holly Ridge PD coin was meticulously designed to reflect the department’s story, and one side, in particular, has a fascinating tale to tell. It’s a perfect blend of local history and a running joke born from the department's NCGHSP enforcement efforts.

The AC-130 and a Legendary Past

One side of the coin is dominated by the striking image of an AC-130 Gunship, set against the name "Camp Davis." This is a direct tribute to Holly Ridge’s significant military past. Camp Davis was a massive U.S. Army anti-aircraft artillery training base during World War II, and its legacy is an integral part of the town's identity. The AC-130, nicknamed "Spectre," is a powerful symbol of vigilance and protection—qualities the HRPD embodies daily.

"The history of Camp Davis is woven into the fabric of our town," Sergeant Jones shared. "Many of our residents have ties to the base, and its legacy is something we wanted to honor."

"Speed Enforced by Aircraft"

Beneath the gunship, the coin bears the phrase: "Speed enforced by aircraft." This is where the story gets interesting. As part of its NCGHSP activities, the Holly Ridge Police Department often participates in speed enforcement campaigns. According to Sergeant Jones, a humorous rumor began to circulate among locals. People would see the concerted police presence and assume the department had an eye in the sky helping them catch speeders.

Sergeant Jones shared the story with a laugh, explaining how the public's imagination ran with the idea that the HRPD had constant aerial support for traffic enforcement. Instead of correcting the myth, the department embraced it. They found that the perception itself was a deterrent, encouraging drivers to slow down.

"People joke that we've got 'eyes in the sky' keeping watch over every speeder," said Sergeant Jones. "The truth is, we’re pretty grounded—but we don’t mind letting that rumor help us keep the roads a little safer."

This playful narrative was too good not to immortalize. By placing the "Speed enforced by aircraft" motto directly under the image of a military gunship, the coin cheekily perpetuates the legend. It’s a clever nod to the community’s perception and the effectiveness of their highway safety programs, demonstrating the department's ingenuity and sense of humor. The design beautifully links the town's real military history with a modern myth born from the department's commitment to safety.

A Symbol of Pride and Unity

The reverse side of the coin proudly features the Holly Ridge Police Department badge against the backdrop of the Thin Blue Line flag. The badge is flanked by the department's core values: "Courtesy, Respect, Service, Honor." This side grounds the coin in the fundamental principles of law enforcement, representing the integrity and professionalism that define the agency.

For the officers of Holly Ridge, this coin is a powerful symbol. It recognizes their dual commitment—to their local community and to the broader regional safety efforts of the NCGHSP. It boosts morale and serves as a physical reminder of their shared mission and unique identity. This collaboration with Thin Blue Line USA allows the department to share its story and its pride with a wider audience that supports law enforcement.

Chief of Police Michael Sorg Jr. put it best when he authorized the coin’s creation: "We want this coin to be a symbol of our dedication, our history, and the unique community we serve. It’s about honoring our past, fostering unity within our department, and showing pride in the work we do every day."

A Piece of the Story in Your Hands

The Holly Ridge Police Department coin is a testament to creative and meaningful design. It captures history, honors a vital safety program, and shares an inside joke with the community it protects. It represents a department that is not only dedicated to its duty but also clever and resourceful in its mission to keep people safe.

As you add this coin to your collection, you are holding a piece of that legacy. You hold a tribute to the NCGHSP's life-saving work, a symbol of Holly Ridge's proud military heritage, and a memento of the legendary "eyes in the sky" that watch over the roads of Onslow County.