Deputy Brandon Sikes
Deputy Brandon Sikes, 31, and his entire young family’s life revolved around law enforcement. Both Sikes and his wife Amber Sikes were employed by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office with Brandon serving for seven years. His hire date was Nov. 21, 2018, according to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).
Prior to joining law enforcement, Sikes served honorably as a United States Army combat medic.
According to Sheriff Clay Whittle’s office, Sikes had received continued in-service training every year since he was hired and had already completed several hours this year.
The father of a baby daughter, Sikes also has been part of the rotation of Columbia County deputies providing security services to Augusta Preparatory Day School since May of 2023, according to Head of School Eric Hediger.
MORE: Funeral route for Deputy Sikes announced
Hediger said that the school family feels as if they have lost a beloved member, and on April 30, the school, as well as fellow private school, Augusta Christian, showed their love and respect for Sikes by wearing all blue attire and lowering the school’s flag to half staff.
“Deputy Sikes was a warm and loving individual who’s smile just drew you to him. He showed kindness and caring and it was very clear how much he loved his wife and daughter, he was very important to us,” Hedinger said.
Deputy Gavin White
Deputy Gavin White is a newcomer to law enforcement who isn’t long out of the police academy.
According to POST training records, White was hired in July of 2024 and graduated from basic law enforcement training on Nov. 15, 2024, elevating him from cadet to deputy.
White has also received 65 hours of additional in-service training so far in 2025, covering everything from situation de-escalation and use of deadly force to drone operation.
He’s continuing to recover and improve in the hospital with his fiancée, Hayley Sward, by his side, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Clay Whittle has been quoted as saying that White “is being very upbeat, communicating with family and hospital staff and retains the use of his hands and feet.”
Meanwhile, Sheppard Community Blood Center held a blood drive April 29 and 30 specifically to aid White, who has needed blood products in his many surgeries.
Marketing Manager Hannah Barrs says the drive, which included extended hours, was a huge success. On Wednesday, the blood donation lab was fully occupied with donors waiting in the lobby for their turn.
“The community has been very supportive taking time out of their busy day to come out and give blood in hopes that it will save a life,” Barrs said.
Barrs reminded that there is a constant need for blood, with O-negative, the universal blood-type, being the type most needed.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
