‘Proud of Brandon’: Community pay respects to Deputy Sikes
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - of the community showed up to pay their respects to law enforcement and Deputy Sikes during the funeral procession, Monday.
Many watched from windows or lined the street as the procession ed — describing the day as heavy and emotional, but thankful that the community could come together to pay their respects.
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Slain deputy mourned as a man who put others ahead of himself
Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes was ed as one of the brave men standing between good and evil, but someone who shied away from the spotlight in his heroism.
‘We’re here for you’: Thousands gather to pay respects to fallen deputy
It was silent for miles on Monday as people of all ages lined the streets to Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty on April 26.
“I’m proud of our community and, of course, proud of Brandon,” said Lisa Roberson, who works at Southern Lighting Gallery. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice: his life.”
Many paused to pay their respects.
VIDEO FROM THE FUNERAL PROCESSION:
“It kind of gave me a warm feeling to see people actually being out here, even though a lot of these people who were probably out didn’t know him personally, but they want to show their for him,” said Xavier Molina, a computer exchange technician. “I saw 50 to 100 people just on this area alone and I saw all the police officers, bikers, firefighters, police from different counties come out to show their for their fellow officer.”
Showing in ways big and small.
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“We have we have such a large presence on Bobby Jones and a lot of people by here,” Roberson explains. “I just thought, what a what? A way for southern lighting to just show our for the Sikes family and for the White family as well.”
For some — it was a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made.
“I had a cousin in Philadelphia who died in line of duty trying to help defend someone from breaking in someone’s car,” said Molina. “So, I know these police officers, men and women, put their lives on the line to help make sure that we’re in a safer place.”
PHOTO GALLERY: HONORING SLAIN DEPUTY BRANDON SIKES
With rooms full of emotion, as thousands say one last ‘thank you’.
“It was heavy. It’s emotional. But then you’re proud,” Roberson expresses. “You’re proud to see all of the other police departments that showed up to Brandon and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.”
With many reflecting on Deputy Sikes’ sacrifice and his service to the community, others say they haven’t forgotten his family’s sacrifice — one that is often silent — but cannot be understated.
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