Whether dressed in his uniform or in Santa’s red suit, Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Mayfield knew how to put people at ease. Beneath his imposing stature was a man with a kind heart. News of his death late Friday hit the community hard.
“It is with deep regret and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Deputy Patrick Mayfield,” the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office posted to its Facebook page.
Deputy Mayfield passed away unexpectedly. The sheriff’s office did not say how he died. Those who knew him are focusing on how he lived.
“He made every morning sunny for us at Fairview.”
“He was truly a beloved asset for the children of our school system,” says retired Gifted/Discovery teacher Stacey McLaurin Slay. Mayfield was a school resource officer who, over the years, worked at several county schools including South Habersham and Wilbanks Middle, Level Grove and Fairview Elementary schools.
“He spoke gently, kindly, respectfully to teachers, staff, and always, the students,” says Slay. “He made eye contact with even the smallest kids and got on their level to comfort, console, or teach them. He made every morning sunny for us at Fairview.”
The sun dimmed on Friday with news of his passing.
“We are at a loss for words… Our friend, colleague… Our brother, Patrick Mayfield, will be greatly missed,” says a post to the SRO Program Facebook page. “Our deepest condolences to his family and those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. Prayers for comfort. Rest well, SRO Mayfield… We got it from here, brother.”
Habersham County Sheriff’s Capt. Floyd Canup says Mayfield’s devotion to the community and kids extended well beyond his duties as a school resource officer. “He would accompany the athletic teams on away games even if it was not his responsibility. He would quite often on his time off coach youth sports,” says Canup. “His dedication to the children and citizens of this county will not be forgotten.”
“We are in shock from losing Patrick,” says Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. “He touched many lives in our schools and baseball team. We have a hole in our lives and we are truly going to miss seeing his smiling face. Please remember his wife, son and family in prayer during this trying time.”
The sheriff’s office says funeral services for SRO Mayfield will be held Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m. at Moss Stoval Neal Funeral Home in Toccoa. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 noon-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 12.
Shared grief. Lasting legacy.
People from throughout the community are responding to the loss with heartfelt posts online. They describe Mayfield as “good” “amazing” “kind” and a man with a “genuine heart.”
Perhaps that was his secret to connecting with kids and their families…he was genuine.
During his years of public service, SRO Mayfield watched over hundreds of Habersham County students, parents, and staff.
In a photo Slay took before one Christmas break, Mayfield is seen standing in Fairview’s school lobby dressed up as Santa with a toy bag on his back and a warm smile on his face. He stands beneath a sign that reads, “I am still watching.”
For those whose lives he touched, there’s welcome comfort in believing he still is.
Feature photo: Habersham County SRO Facebook page
