Funeral arrangements set for Sumter County deputy killed in the line of duty
Funeral arrangements have been made for the Sumter County sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty Tuesday.
Services will be held Sunday for Cpl. Andrew Gillette, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
A visitation will be held at 2 p.m. at Sumter County Civic Center, according to the release. A funeral service for Gillette will begin at 3 p.m.
The 37-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran was shot in the chest attempting to serve a detention order and an eviction notice.
He was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
Gillette is survived by his wife and an 11-year-old son, among other family members, the sheriff’s office said. He had served with the sheriff’s office since October 2013.
“He loved law enforcement and loved the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “He served honorably and diligently.”
This is the first member of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office killed in the line of duty since 1996, according to the sheriff.
“This is a tragic loss and a difficult time for the Gillette family, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Sumter County,” Dennis said in a news release. “Andrew was more than a badge and a car. He was a husband, father, son, brother and friend. He can never be replaced and no combination of words can truly express the pain that is felt.
“We will never get over the loss of Andrew but we can make it through this pain together.”
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 7:34 AM.
