Deputy Brandon Sikes was guided by a single mission. He wanted to make his community a safer place for his wife and daughter, according to his family.
The Augusta native died trying to do just that.
Sikes, a seven-year veteran of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, was shot to death Saturday evening while attempting to serve a warrant during a traffic stop. He was 31.
“As a U.S. Army veteran and Columbia County Deputy, Brandon dedicated his life to serving his country and his community,” the Sikes family said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He was a simple man who loved fishing and spending time with his family, especially his wife and daughter. He was known for his endearing personality, sense of humor and dedication to those he loved.”
Sikes served as a U.S. Army combat medic for three years before receiving an honorable discharge in 2016, his family said. In 2018, he joined the Columbia sheriff’s office. Since May 2023, Sikes had also served at Augusta Preparatory Day School, the private school said.
On Saturday, Sikes and other deputies were attempting to serve a temporary protective order against James Montgomery, according to investigators. That’s when Montgomery opened fire, killing Sikes and critically injuring a second deputy, Gavin White.
Montgomery was later found dead inside his camper, investigators said.
On Tuesday, White remained in the hospital, the sheriff’s office said.
“Deputy Gavin White is improving,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. “Although still in the hospital, he is walking and talking all while maintaining a very positive attitude.”
In addition to his wife of 11 years and 10-year-old daughter, Sikes is survived by his parents and three brothers, in addition to other family members.
“We loved Brandon very much and our family is absolutely heartbroken by this loss,” the Sikes family said. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, the local community and law enforcement community. Brandon was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend who was passionate about his career. We respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve.”
The funeral will be Monday noon at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center in Evans, with the Rev. John Kenney officiating. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors in Augusta is in charge of arrangements.
A GoFundMe page was created to assist the Sikes family.
Sikes is the third Georgia law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty this year, according to police. His death is the second for the Columbia sheriff’s office, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page,
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