A flag-draped coffin was rolled out of Free Chapel following an emotional service for Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon, 28, who was shot and killed Sunday night while pursuing burglary suspects along Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville.

“His last act on this Earth was for the protection of our community. Today we honor his service and we honor his sacrifice,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said, sharing his first memory of the deputy with a huge smile. Couch described Dixon as imbuing his shift with character from his “sense of humor and upbeat attitude.”

“From the moment you spoke to him, you knew that Blane Dixon was all in. I believe there are those among us with hearts that God chooses to infuse with a spirit of service and guardianship. Blane’s heart was most certainly one of those, and for people like him, there is just no way to hide that.”

Dressed in matching black suits and navy blue ties, Dixon’s brothers, Zack and Jeremy, and father, Fred, described the man proud to put on his badge everyday and wouldn’t shy away from giving his last $20 to a person in need.

“He is a hero, a great man. He will be greatly missed,” Dixon’s brother Jeremy said while being consoled by Zack and Fred.

The family thanked the members of the community, businesses and other organizations that have made donations in Dixon’s honor.