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KINSTON, N.C.-- The SBI is investigating the shooting death of Deputy U.S. Marshal and Nash County Sheriff's Deputy Warren Lewis III. Lewis was fatally shot in the chest Thursday while working with the Eastern North Carolina Violent Fugitive Task Force.

According to authorities the task force was in Kinston looking for two suspects wanted for murder.

Chief Bill Johnson from the Kinston Department of Public Safety said Lewis was leaving the scene when shots were fired through a door, striking Lewis in the chest even though he was wearing a bullet proof vest.

"We don't know if it went through or it may have gone through an opening because they're not totally self enclosed but we're not sure,” said Chief Johnson.

Lewis was nine year veteran of the Nash County Sheriff's Office.

At a press conference Friday, Sheriff Dick Jenkins said Lewis was a committed crime fighter.

"I talked to him several days ago and he was talking about the task force and I asked him, 'are you still enjoying it?' and he said 'I love it more than anything I could ever do,'" said Sheriff Jenkins.

Lewis leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.

Sheriff Jenkins says he also leaves legacy of being a dedicated law enforcement officer.

"If the young officers today, even the veterans like me, would try to pattern themselves like Warren we'd be certainly better off, " said Sheriff Jenkins.

Seventeen-year-old Lamont Byrd, 16-year-old Kion Dail, 17-year-old Devine Slade and 26-year-old Maretto Byrd are each charged with murder in connection to Lewis' death.

Meanwhile, Gov. Bev Perdue has ordered all North Carolina state flags at state facilities in Nash and Lenoir Counties to be lowered to half staff in honor of Lewis. Local government office and citizens are also encouraged to lower flags as a sign of respect.