Family, law enforcement remember Peach County Deputy Sgt. Patrick Sondron

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Blood gives us life.

“Law enforcement, we’re nothing but a big family,” said Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Wells.

It unites families.

“It resonates throughout the community,” said Wells.

And when one family member’s blood runs blue, it hurts even more.

“Our family knows there’s a good possibility we may not come home,” said Wells.

That duty called Sgt. Patrick Sondron of the Peach County Sheriff’s Office one last time.

“Today we’re here to celebrate the life of the greatest man I ever knew,” said Patrick’s son, Ethan Sondron through a letter read at the ceremony.

Southside Baptist Church hosted hundreds Thursday to honor the father of three.

“My Dad Patrick, loved us all,” said Ethan.

That love was returned through memories of the air force veteran who also had his pilot’s license.

“He’s a thinker–he’s always thinking of ways to do things better,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese.

“We think of the neighbor that stopped by the house, and was sharing that it was her child that wasn’t breathing, and it was Patrick Sondron that came to her aid,” said Peach County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Brian Stewart.

It was in his nature to help–Sgt. Sondron enjoyed helping large groups get around by driving a bus.

“He was gonna be where he was needed, and not only was he going to be there, he was going to go the extra mile,” said Stewart.

Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese connected the blue family with the blood family.

“We’re going to miss him, Melissa I know you’re going to miss him a whole lot more,” said Deese. “But I just want you to know, we’re family.”

And for one last time, Sgt. Sondron’s family–both blue and blood–said goodbye.