Hundreds of law enforcement officers and civilians gathered Tuesday morning in Gilchrist County to remember the lives of two deputies gunned down last week in the line of duty.
Sgt. Noel Ramirez, 29, and Deputy Taylor Lindsey, 25, were eating together at a Trenton restaurant last Thursday when a 59-year-old man walked in and fatally shot them. Both deputies were in uniform.
Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, and family members of the two deputies made remarks as an honor guard stood behind the flag-draped coffins at the front of the packed auditorium of Bell Middle/High School, our News4Jax partner reported.
Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, and family members of the two deputies made remarks as an honor guard stood behind the flag-draped coffins at the front of the packed auditorium of Bell Middle/High School.
"Both of these guys were fun-loving, God-fearing, good, good men," Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz said during Tuesday's memorial.
He said his agency has received thousands of handwritten cards and that the outpouring speaks volumes about Ramirez and Lindsey.
"We do indeed miss our friends," Schultz said.
Gilchrist County's chaplain, Pastor Patrick Bible, also spoke at the non-denominational service.
"They died for what was right and good and decent," Bible said.
Law enforcement vehicles from around the state were expected to join one of the longest processionals in Florida history from Bell to the Bronson Cemetery, about 35 miles away in Bronson, Florida, where a graveside service would be held.
Florida transportation officials urged drivers in the area to be patient Tuesday and expect delays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along U.S. 129, State Road 26 and State Road 500.
Law enforcement officers from as far away as Miami were seen Tuesday morning, preparing to pay their respect to their fallen comrades.
You can read a longer version of this story on News4Jax that includes additional photos.
