Hundreds came to pay their respects to Peach County Sergeant Patrick Sondron. Our Yvonne Thomas spoke to a few people before the funeral service who say they came to give support, love, and hope.
Biker Kenneth Clark said he’s grieving the loss of Sergeant Sondron with the Sondron family. “We share the pain, not nearly the pain that they feel right now, but we share the pain,” said Clark. It’s pain that’s felt by hundreds from around the stat, and some say it shook them to the core. “I was devastated,” said Clarke. “I couldn't believe that something like this happened this close. It hurt. It hurt me to my heart.”
Corporal Scott Ryder with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office said he and other officers are hurting, too. “I've been in this line of work for 25 years,” said Ryder. “This kind of thing hits you in the heart.” Corporal Ryder with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office said, every day, officers try their best to help others in need. “We come out here to serve and protect,” said Ryder. “And through all the ups and downs and the arguments, and the politics.”
Clark said he's here to pay his respects to a hero. “I'm here just to honor to a man that was called by God to be a law officer,” said Clark. Corporal Ryder said he wants to encourage the family. “I look to God in times of need and sorrow,” said Ryder. “I know that he'll lift me up and I'm here to tell the family he'll lift them up at this time.”