Many families have first-day-of-school stories, but Caden Dixon’s first day of fourth grade wasn’t like anyone else’s.
On Wednesday — almost exactly a month after his father was killed in the line of duty — the 9-year-old was escorted to school by several Hall County deputies, who were showing support and encouragement for their fallen colleague’s family.
Nicolas Dixon, 28, died July 8 after being killed the night prior during a shootout with four teenage suspects in Hall County. A bullet struck him under his ballistic vest.
RELATED: Family recalls fallen young deputy: 'He loved what he did'
Credit: Hall County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Hall County Sheriff's Office
He left behind his wife, Stephanie, and their two young sons, Caden and 3-month-old Colton Justice. In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office included photos of deputies escorting Caden and Stephanie to Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy in Gainesville.
Dixon, who had been with the sheriff's office for three years, was among several deputies chasing a stolen vehicle in Gainesville when he was shot. He was the fourth officer killed in the line of duty in Georgia this year, records show.
MORE: Police, community honor fallen Hall County deputy during funeral
Four 17-year-olds — Hector Garcia-Solis, Brayan Omar Cruz, London Clements and Eric Edgardo Velazquez — were arrested shortly after the incident and charged with felony murder.
Later in July, the GBI arrested five more teens and young adults, who were charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the apprehension of a criminal.
RELATED: GBI makes more arrests in Hall County deputy's shooting death
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