Effingham County Deputy Sheriff Philip Kraverotis served in the department for 15 years. Assigned to the courts division, along with other roles throughout his tenure, his was a familiar face in local law enforcement.
It was while on duty that he contracted COVID-19. Kraverotis died Aug. 6, 2020 as a result of coronavirus complications. Kraverotis was 59 years old and was survived by his wife, Aimie; son, Eddie, and daughter Stephanie; and three siblings.
On July 12, he was honored, along with his family, during the annual End of Watch Ride to Remember. The cross-country motorcycle riders celebrate the lives and memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
Six bikers make the trek for 84 days between May 28 and Aug. 19, traveling with a 41-foot trailer more than 22,000 miles, starting in Washington, to pay homage to lost officers and their families. Last year, 146 officers who died in 2019 were recognized. This year, the group says it is paying homage to 338 officers who died while in service.
"I wanted to bridge this gap that we have and bring back to the department and let the officers, and their families know that their loss has not been forgotten," said spokesman Jagrut Shah, a former deputy sheriff.
An "End of Watch" ceremony includes a police dispatcher issuing a final call to a fallen officer over the radio, followed by silence.
Rana L. Cash is the Editor of the Savannah Morning News and Georgia state director. Contact her at rcash@gannett.com. Twitter: @rana_cash
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 'End of Watch Ride' gives a farewell to Effingham deputy sheriff Philip Kraverotis
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