Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch speaks at the funeral for Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon in Gainesville on July 11, 2019. (HCSO Facebook)
Just one day after burying one of his officers, Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch shared an open letter with the community thanking people for their support during this difficult time.
“In these days of what sometimes seems like an overloaded of negativity towards law enforcement, our hearts are warmed and reassured that we live among some genuinely caring and thoughtful people. For that, I offer my sincerest gratitude,” he says.
Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon died on July 8, 2019, after being shot in the line of duty. Hundreds attended his funeral in Gainesville on Thursday, including law enforcement from around the state.
RELATED: Four teens arrested in Hall County deputy shooting death
Dixon had been a patrol officer with Hall County for nine months. Prior to that, he worked as a jailer.
His friends and colleagues remember him as a smart rookie who loved his job and loved others.
“His legacy will not be one of crippling sorrow,” writes Couch, “but one of honorable work in a noble profession.”
In his letter, Couch asks for continued prayers and support for Dixon’s family and fellow officers.
“My wish is simply this, please cotnieue to pray for and support Deputy Dixon’s family their loss is immeasurable. From now on every time they see a Hall County Sheriff’s car driving down the road they will think of him. Every time the blue strobes of a roadside traffic stop catches their eye, their hearts will ache. And every time the sound of a police siren pierces the night they will visualize him behind that car on that fateful night.”
“Also continue to pray for and support those in uniform still doing the job depiste the heartache they are experiencing by his loss. Imagine, if you will, their next shift briefing when they will look around and find a void that can not be filled; not the one created by one less person on a manpower chart, but the one created by the tragic loss of a smiling face and a large caring personality.”
