Slain Peach County deputy laid to rest

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One of the Peach County Sheriff’s deputies who died last week after being shot on-call was laid to rest on Saturday.

“These are our sons, when they hurt, we hurt,” Sheriff Terry Deese said.

Friends of Deputy Daryl Smallwood say he was like a big teddy bear.

“I remember some of the conversations we had and how often times it would revert back to his children because he loved his children so much,” Chaplain Brian Stewart said.

Law enforcement from across the state of Georgia attended Smallwood’s funeral – a chance to say goodbye to a man full of love.

“We have to always stick together, it’s just a brotherhood coming together,” Lemmie Shorts from the Sandy Springs Police Department said.

A Harley Davidson enthusiast, Smallwood paid the ultimate sacrifice for a man who friend’s say was an around-the-clock public servant. If anyone needed help, they’d call Daryl. Stewart fought back tears remembering Smallwood’s desire for helping people.

“On Sunday, Daryl and Patrick demonstrated a selfless and sacrificial act of love by standing in the gap between good and evil,” Stewart said.

Ending with a prayer, that something like this, never happens again in Peach County.