GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A grieving community said goodbye to a Hall County deputy killed in the line of duty.
The funeral for Nicolas Blane Dixon was held Thursday at Free Chapel Worship Center in Gainesville. The 28-year-old husband and father of two was shot Sunday night trying to arrest four teenagers.
Thousands showed up to the service to pay their respects. The streets were lined in blue to send off Dixon and support his family.
“He is a hero, a great man," said Jeremy Dixon, the fallen deputy's brother. "He will be greatly missed.”
“There is no greater love than what he showed on that fateful evening," Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said.
Dixon graduated from the academy last year and began his dream job. Couch told the crowd God infused Dixon's heart with a spirit of service.
“He will be the reason we hold our heads high, he will be the reason our vision is clear and focused on the task, his spirit will continue to inspire us to a higher calling," the sheriff said.
Sgt. Charles Hewell, Dixon’s sergeant, quickly became one of his closest friends. He was with him on the night of the shooting.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save your husband, your dad, your son. But I really believe that night Blane saved me," he said. "Blane was easy to love.
“We will hold the line and honor you for the rest of our lives. I love you.”
Dixon leaves behind his wife and two young sons, a 9-year-old and a 4-month-old. A memorial fund has been sent up in honor of Dixon. The money will go to his family.
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