COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – The community continues to support Columbia County Deputies Brandon Sikes and Gavin White and their families.

During a traffic stop on Saturday evening, Sikes lost his life when a suspect opened fire. White was also injured in the incident but was released from the hospital on Thursday.

In response, the community has shown substantial support by wearing ribbons, making donations, and keeping the deputies and their families in their thoughts.

On Friday morning, Augusta Prep 3rd Graders, alongside the upper school chorus, gathered at their flagpole to sing in honor and memory of Deputy Sikes. The event included participation from students, staff, and faculty.

“Deputy Sikes influenced our students in a good way,” said Eric Hedinger, Head of Schools at Augusta Preparatory School. “He was one who cared for them, their safety. He helped them to know law enforcement are approachable and, so, to come together today and to honor him and celebrate him and his life and how he influenced. I think that’s an important marker for us in our community, in our healing.”

The head of schools tells me it is important to involve the students in a moment like this.

“Involving students in this gives them ownership and understanding and even expression of self. And so, it was really important that we did something for them. On Wednesday we had a blue day, of course because that was the day Sikes was planned to work. But even so, they didn’t want to limit it to that day. They asked if they could have a memorial service here at the flag pool,” said Hedinger.

Businesses around the community support the deputies and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office with lowered bows, billboards, or flags. We spoke to one business owner about why she thinks it’s important to do this.

“We all feel safe all the time and don’t always remember about whether it’s our service members or our deputies or EMTs that are putting their life out there for us every day, and I think everybody needs to be mindful about how important their job is,” said Suzanne Lilly Honeymichael, Hardwood Floors and More.

Workers from Hardwood Floors and more will attend the funeral on Monday.

“Theres a few of us that are going to go to the service. It is going to be full. I think a lot of people are going to line the streets and just try and show their support that way as well,” said Honeymichael.

The funeral for Deputy Sikes is on Monday at noon. We have more details on the service here.