Watch the full memorial service in the video player above.
A Memorial service for a Johnson County deputy who was killed by a suspected drunk driver was held on Thursday afternoon.
Previous story: Man charged in death of Johnson County deputy
Family and friends attended the memorial service for Brandon Collins at the College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas.
"He was always joking and had a way of making people feel comfortable," said deputy Jesse Valdez II.
The 45-year-old was with the department more than 20 years.
"9/11 is a day to honor heroes; those still living and those who have fallen," said deputy Ross Capps. "If it had to happen , if it really had to happen, if we had to lose our brother --how fitting that he sacrificed his life protecting ours on 9/11."
Collins was married and had two young girls.
"Ashley, Tracy and Lili I'm sorry we have to be here. People are thinking of you and saying prayers for you," Valdez added.
His family released the following statement:
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support and the many heartfelt thoughts and prayers our family has received since our tragic loss. Brandon was a devoted and caring husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Brandon's love and compassion for his family, friends, and the community he served will never be forgotten."
A memorial fund has now been set up at Mainstreet Credit Union, available at any of their locations, under the account name Deputy Brandon Collins Memorial Fund.
Previous coverage:
- Friends build memorial for fallen Johnson County deputy
- Man charged in death of Johnson County deputy
Collins is being taken to Oilton, Okla. to be buriedon Sept. 17. His procession will consist of vehicles from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The route is as follows:
- 7:30 am – Leave Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kan.
- Travel south on Blackbob Road to 151st Street
- Travel west on 151st Street to U.S. 169 Highway
- Travel south on U.S. 169 Highway to the Oklahoma State Line
- Continue south to Tulsa, Okla. and west to Oilton.
