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Columbia County gathers to honor Deputy Brandon Sykes; speakers urge ongoing support for family and first responders
Summary
A memorial service in Columbia County for Deputy Brandon Sykes drew law enforcement, family and residents. Speakers recalled Sykes's service as a combat medic and sheriff's deputy, urged the community to support his family and first responders, and moved outside for final honors.
Friends, family and hundreds of law enforcement officers and community members gathered at a Columbia County memorial service to honor Deputy Brandon Sykes, who "paid the ultimate sacrifice this last weekend," and to hear calls for sustained community support for Sykes's family and county first responders.
The service included prayers, a eulogy from Sykes's brother, a commemorative video, and remarks from Sheriff Whittle and the officiant. Speakers emphasized Sykes's background as a U.S. military combat medic and his seven years with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and asked the public to support grieving families and to show appreciation for law enforcement.
The memorial put community response at its center: clergy and law enforcement leaders repeatedly urged residents to move from words of sympathy to practical help for Sykes's widow, Amber, and their daughter, Lindsey, and for others affected by the incident. The officiant quoted Psalm 34:18 and called on the community to "be a community who cares," asking people to carry that commitment beyond the service. Sheriff Whittle described the daily hazards of policing and asked the public to offer respect and space for grieving officers.
Thomas, Brandon Sykes's brother, delivered a eulogy that traced Sykes's life from childhood through military service and his work with the sheriff's office. Thomas said Sykes joined the U.S. military on 04/28/2014 and trained as a combat medic, later joining the Columbia County Sheriff's Office in 2018. Thomas described a range of assignments, including bike patrol and boat duty, and said Sykes recently joined what Thomas called the "CSU" role; Thomas added, "now instead of only writing tickets, I get to take bad people off the street and make the county safer." He recalled personal stories that family members and colleagues said showed Sykes's desire to serve others.
Sheriff Whittle thanked the many law enforcement agencies and public officials in attendance and framed the job as one with constant, unpredictable danger. He said the vast majority of officers are dedicated public servants and asked the community to recognize their sacrifice: "They deserve respect. They deserve to grieve."
Speakers also referenced other people affected by the weekend's events. Sheriff Whittle asked the public to keep in mind the recovery of Deputy Gavin White, and the officiant named both families — the Sykes family and Gavin White's family — when calling for longer-term support beyond the immediate outpouring of sympathy.
A family-selected song and a video memorial were played during the service. The officiant noted the family's choices, saying the next song "might speak not only to them, but to us who are gathered in this place." After the indoor service, attendees and uniformed personnel were directed to move outdoors for final honors and a flag display.
Organizers closed the indoor portion with practical instructions: uniformed first responders were asked to assemble at the large flag area to form for honors while others lined up near the family seating outside. The service concluded indoors with a prayer and the commitment by attendees to continue supporting the family and the county's first responders.
