Latest news with #BrandonSikes
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
First Responders Night at SRP Park honoring Deputy Brandon Sikes
NORTH AUGUSTA, SC. (WJBF) – It was First Responders Night at tonight's Green Jackets game. I was there where, before the first pitch, they held a moment of silence for fallen Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Sikes. 'The North Augusta Public Safety is going to have its color guard out as they walk on the field to salute the flag and honor America and as we do that and finish that up we will have a moment of silence on the tragedy that happened a few weeks ago in Columbia County,' said Brandon Greene, General Manager, Augusta GreenJackets. The GreenJackets auctioned off two jerseys signed by the entire team and other raffle items given by different businesses in the community. 'It was a no-brainer, yeah, we can help,' said Justin Rousseau, Volunteer with Fire K' There's a way for us to do it, and partnering with local businesses was a done deal. We were able to bring a bunch of great items out here, and at the end of the night, we expect a big return to go to the families.' All the proceeds from the raffle, the live auction, and all Budweiser sold from the left-field bar will be donated to support the families of Sikes and Deputy Gavin White, who was also shot on April 26th. It's all made possible through a Non-Profit called Fire K. 'First partnership and it's been good to come alongside people that are like minded in the community, 'said Phillip Weathers, President and Founder, Fire K. 'Justins been doing this for over a year with North Augusta Public Safety and being able to come along beside them and help with something that's as important as helping these families can't think of a more worthy cause.' Baseball fans are happy to come out and support the first responders in our area. 'I'm a retired Firefighter myself, so you know I'm a first responder in that capacity, and it's great to be honored, and it's great to honor other first responders,' said Mike Taylor, Baseball Fan. Fans say it's the least they can do to honor and appreciate all the first responders do for us. 'They do a really tough job every day, and any little bit of support we can give them is great,' said Heather Tucker, Baseball Fan. 'It's important that the people who do this every day know that public and the people who live here are behind them.,' said Dick Tucker, Baseball fan. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
14-05-2025
- Fox News
FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL: Law enforcement has our backs. Let's show we have theirs
Across the country, law enforcement officers are answering the call — serving with courage, conviction, and a commitment to protect their communities no matter the cost. They stand between order and chaos, often without thanks, and too often under threat. We will always stand with them. According to the FBI's latest report, 64 officers were killed in the line of duty last year. Already in 2025, we've lost 18 more. These are not just numbers — they are people, lives, and legacies. They are reminders that the work of law enforcement remains among the most difficult and dangerous in our country. Yet despite the risks, officers across America continue to show up — every shift, every call, every crisis — to keep you safe. Since becoming FBI director in February, I've made it a personal priority to reach out to every chief and sheriff who has lost an officer this year. It may be the hardest part of the job, and every conversation is heartbreaking, but it's a complete must. Every one of them reflects the strength, character, and deep sense of service that define the law enforcement profession. Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia County, Georgia, was shot and killed during a traffic stop while serving a protective order. His wife serves with the same agency and continues to carry forward the mission they once shared. Officer Osmar Rodarte of the Marysville Police Department died in the line of duty during an operation targeting a violent, Mexico-based drug trafficking ring. He knew the risks — and chose to serve anyway. Sergeant Joseph Azcona of Newark, New Jersey, was killed while working to remove illegal firearms from the streets. He was shot by a 14-year-old — a stark reminder that our public safety challenges are evolving in complex and painful ways. These officers, and all the fallen, lived lives of honor and purpose. They ran toward danger so others could live in peace. That kind of service is not just noble — it's essential to a safe and functioning society. But this storied profession is under pressure. Officers today are expected to do more than ever: respond to fentanyl overdoses, dismantle gang networks, stop mass shootings, combat child exploitation, and manage the ripple effects of failed criminal justice policies. They endure long hours, personal sacrifice, and, far too often, public hostility. Recruiting challenges are real. We must meet this moment with resolve — not despair. At the FBI, we're stepping up. I've redirected nearly 1,500 personnel from Washington, D.C., to field offices across the country to ensure our agents are where they're needed most — supporting state and local law enforcement shoulder to shoulder. We continue to train officers nationwide through our Officer Safety Awareness programs — helping more than 90,000 officers stay safer on the job. We're smashing back against violent criminals, drug cartels, and trafficking networks threatening our communities. But the most important partnership of all is with you, the American public. As we mark National Police Week, I encourage every American to show appreciation — not just with words, but with action. Report suspicious activity. Cooperate with law enforcement investigations. Teach your kids to respect the badge. And when you see an officer, thank them. A simple expression of gratitude goes further than most realize. The officers we've lost this year gave everything to uphold the law and protect the innocent. The ones still serving today carry that mission forward — without hesitation, without fanfare, and without guarantees of safety. They serve with honor. Let's meet their sacrifice with a relentless show of force, action, and unwavering support. They have our backs. It's time we show we have theirs.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Local small business, Charm and Char, raising funds for Columbia County deputies
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – People in the community are continuing to donate and support the families of fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes and injured deputy Gavin White. Charm and Char is a local small business that sells fashion accessories, home décor, and more. Owner Tanya Smelker was asked to make stickers in honor of Deputies Brandon Sikes and Gavin White. But she wanted to do more than just create and sell. ''Hey, do you have the capacity to make stickers?' said Tanya Smelker, Charm and Char LLC. 'And I was like, yeah, I do have the capacity to do that. Instead of charging for my services, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to raise money for the Sikes and the Whites families.' Smelker sold stickers last week at her booth at the Evans Market. But the interest was much greater. 'Everybody was like We can't make it like we can order online, and that's when the online sales just exploded, so to speak,' said Smelker. The stickers are 8 dollars. Smelker is also selling hats, which are 20 dollars. Smelker and some from the Wives of Columbia County Sheriff's Office have helped her package and send off the items. 100% of the proceeds from the stickers and 10 dollars from each hat will go to the families. She's raised more than 2500 dollars from those sales as of Tuesday. 'Absolutely mind blowing to me, like I did not expect that. I expected maybe like $500 bucks,' said Smelker. Charm and Char will be at the Columbia County Unity Fundraiser this Saturday. 'We're going to have some more stickers over there. I'll have my box with me, and I'll have some hats with me,' said Smelker. Orders will be taken until May 10th, and she plans to give the donations to the families next week. If you want to order, you can do so on Charm and Char's website or you can attend the Columbia County Unity Fundraiser this Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Augusta Prep wears blue in honor of fallen deputy
MARTINEZ, Ga. (WJBF)- Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot Saturday night and died at the scene. He was one of the deputies who helped to keep Augusta Preparatory Day School safe. And to honor him, Augusta Prep students, faculty, and staff are being asked to wear blue. American policing is often associated with that color. For example you've likely heard of the thin blue line. According to the National Police Association, A flag created around the theme is black and white with a blue line as the center horizontal stripe. The blue line represents the men and women in law enforcement who stand in the gap between the lawless and the innocent. We asked Head of School, Eric Hedinger, why the school is choosing to wear that color today. 'Police officers are known for wearing blue. It designates them from the military and other enforcement agencies. And so to honor the police department, in particular, the Columbia County Sheriff's Department, and, of course, Officer Sykes, we have chosen to wear blue for the day so that we can really celebrate his life and his service and community service within law enforcement.' It's not just Augusta Prep wearing blue today, other Augusta Christian Schools will also be wearing blue to honor law 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Local reaction to Columbia County Deputies killed, injured
(WJBF) – Reaction to this weekend's tragedy in Columbia County is pouring in from across the state of Georgia. On Saturday, one deputy was killed and another critically injured after a shootout on I-20 near Exit 194. James Blake Montgomery is the man police say is dead after he opened fire on three officers. It happened while being served a Temporary Protective Order during a traffic stop. Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot and killed in the incident. Deputy Gavin White was shot in the face. He is currently in critical condition. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office posted, 'Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty. We stand with Brandon's wife Amber, their daughter Lyndsey and their families. 'Lord comfort them and wrap your loving arms around them.' We also continue to pray for Deputy Gavin White, who was critically injured and is continuing to recover and improve in the hospital with his fiancé Hayley Sward by his side. We take comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18: 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' Please join us in praying for the families, friends and colleagues who are grieving and for the full healing of our wounded hero. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support, prayers and assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies, first responders and our community. Your strength and solidarity remind us that we are never alone in these dark hours. May God grant us peace, heal our broken hearts and continue to watch over all those who protect and serve. 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' Matthew 5:9 Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared on X, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the Columbia County sheriffs deputy that has fallen in the line of duty, as well as his fellow law enforcement officer injured tonight while protecting his fellow Georgians. As they remain in our hearts and prayers, we're also painfully reminded of why those who wear a badge have more than earned our enduring respect and appreciation. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson stated, 'Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and our neighbors in Columbia County. Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff's Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.' The Richmond County Sheriff's Office stated on Facebook: Today is a very sad day for the CSRA. Sheriff Gino Brantley and the entire Richmond County Sheriff's Office offer condolences to the friends, family, and brothers in blue for their fallen Deputy. We also ask everyone for your prayers and support for the Deputy in the hospital. Matthew 5:9 states, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' This verse from the Bible's Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of peacemaking and identifies those who actively work towards reconciliation and harmony as being blessed and recognized as God's children. We have been and will continue to be by their side as needed. The City of Barnwell Police Department released a statement, saying, 'Barnwell Police Department is praying for the two Columbia County Sheriff's Deputies and their families. To the one that was sadly taken from their family and to the one still fighting for their life. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their Department. We got your six rest easy and prayers of healing. We pray that the suspect will be found and justice will be served.' The Waynesboro Police Department also released a statement, reading, 'This evening the hearts of the men and women at the Waynesboro Police Department are with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20. Please keep these deputies' families, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and the community in your prayers.' The Burnettown Police Department stated, 'This evening our hearts are with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20. Please keep these deputies' families, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and the community in your prayers.' The Wagener Police Department stated on Facebook, 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Columbia County Sheriffs Office tonight. We pray for healing for the deputy's family and loved ones. We are also praying for the healing of the injured Deputy.' The Aiken County Sheriff's Office's stated, 'Hearts are heavy throughout the Law Enforcement community as we are a brotherhood no matter where our jurisdictional lines may keep us, we are all bound with a commitment to protect and serve others. Sheriff Sawyer and the men and women of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.' Sheriff Gino Brantley stated on Facebook: 'This afternoon, a Columbia County Deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty, and another Deputy was seriously wounded and remains in the hospital fighting for recovery. I was there alongside Sheriff Clay Whittle and many others as these tragic events unfolded, and my heart is simply broken for the Deputies, their families, their brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office family. No words can truly capture the level of loss we are all feeling right now. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond Columbia County — it is deeply felt by every law enforcement officer across the CSRA and beyond. We are a family, bound by a commitment to protect and serve others, and when one of our own is lost, we all grieve together. I humbly ask everyone to join me in praying for the family and loved ones of the fallen Deputy, for the Deputy who remains in the hospital, and for the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Matthew 5:9 reminds us, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' Today, we mourn a true peacemaker who gave everything in service to others. Please keep them all in your hearts during this difficult time. We will continue to stand with Columbia County in the days, weeks, and months ahead. They are not alone.' Chairman Doug Duncan and the Board of Commissioners released a statement: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Brandon Sikes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving Columbia County. Officer Sikes exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for Officer Gavin White as he fights for his recovery. We honor their extraordinary commitment and courage and are forever indebted to them for their service. We will never forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice. Augusta Prep stated on Facebook: 'We at Augusta Prep are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in action Saturday night. Since May 2023, Deputy Sikes has been part of the rotation of deputies dedicated to protecting Augusta Prep's students, families, faculty, and staff throughout the school year. We are profoundly grateful for his service – and for the ongoing commitment of all Columbia County Deputies – to the safety of our community.' As Head of School Eric Hedinger shared, 'Deputy Sikes exemplified the dedication and care that makes a difference in the lives of those he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. We are also keeping Deputy Gavin White, who was also shot Saturday night, close in our hearts. We will share ways to support the Sikes family as more information becomes available. We will honor Deputy Sikes by flying the American flag at half-mast, starting Monday.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
