Augusta, Ga. — In a heartfelt tribute to Deputy Brandon Sikes, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Saturday night, Augusta Preparatory Day School joined a community-wide effort to honor the fallen officer by wearing blue.

Deputy Sikes, who had been instrumental in keeping Augusta Preparatory Day School safe, was shot and died at the scene. His dedication to protecting and serving the community left a lasting impact, especially at the school where he had been a familiar and trusted presence.

In a show of respect and solidarity, the school’s students, faculty, and staff were asked to wear blue on Monday, a color traditionally associated with law enforcement. The gesture was part of a broader effort to honor Sikes’ service and the sacrifices made by officers across the region.

Blue is more than just a color for law enforcement. It represents the thin line that officers walk between order and disorder. The “Thin Blue Line” flag, popularized by the National Police Association, features a black and white design with a blue horizontal stripe. The blue line symbolizes the officers who stand between lawlessness and the innocent, often putting their lives on the line to protect the community.

Eric Hedinger, Head of School at Augusta Prep, explained the significance of the gesture. “Police officers are known for wearing blue,” Hedinger said. “It designates them from the military and other enforcement agencies. And so to honor the police department, in particular, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, and of course, Officer Sikes, we have chosen to wear blue for the day so that we can really celebrate his life and his service and community service within law enforcement.”

This tribute was not confined to Augusta Prep. Other local schools, including Augusta Christian Schools, also participated in wearing blue to show their support for law enforcement and to commemorate Deputy Sikes’ life and service.

The decision to wear blue transcends a simple act of remembrance. It serves as a symbol of unity, solidarity, and the enduring impact of law enforcement officers who serve their communities selflessly, often at great personal cost. The outpouring of support from local schools is a testament to the community’s collective appreciation for the men and women who protect it.

As the Augusta community continues to mourn the loss of Deputy Sikes, these acts of remembrance stand as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring safety and security, and the sacrifices that come with that duty.