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SUMTER, S.C. (AP) — A sheriff's deputy in South Carolina who was shot and killed in the line of duty was remembered as a man who loved his community and his family.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Sumter County Deputy Cpl. Andrew Gillette, news outlets reported. Gillette, 36, was fatally shot Feb. 25 while trying to serve an eviction notice.
Hundreds of people, including family, friends and members of the law enforcement community, gathered in Sumter for the service.
“I promise you I will look after your family,” Gillette's brother, Steve Gillette said after wiping back tears.
The fallen deputy leaves behind a wife and a child.
“Many people will call Cpl. Gillette a hero because of how he died,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “Yes, he was indeed a hero. But not only because of how he died, but because of how he lived.”
Gillette served for 12 years in the U.S. Air Force and had been a deputy in Sumter County since 2013. He was buried with military honors.
Terry Hasty was identified as the man who shot and killed Gillette, according to news outlets. Hasty, 56, shot Gillette in the chest, Dennis said. Gillette was wearing a protective vest.
Other deputies returned fire, killing Hasty. No other deputies were hurt in the exchange of gunfire.
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