The Augusta Preparatory Day School Community Mourns the Loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes: A Devoted Public Servant, Mentor, and Hero Remembered by Students, Faculty, and Families After Fatal Incident on April 26, 2025

AUGUSTA, Georgia — The Augusta Preparatory Day School (Augusta Prep) community is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, a dedicated member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, who was killed in the line of duty on the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025. Deputy Sikes, who had been a trusted and integral part of the school’s safety measures, had been serving on a rotating assignment to protect the students, families, faculty, and staff at Augusta Prep since May of 2022. His untimely death has left the community in shock and sorrow as they reflect on the profound impact he had on the school, his colleagues, and the broader Augusta area.

The tragic event occurred during an operational assignment, which turned deadly late on April 26. As the investigation continues to unfold, Deputy Sikes’ dedication and commitment to his duty and his community are remembered fondly by those who knew him.

A Heroic Presence at Augusta Prep

Deputy Brandon Sikes’ role at Augusta Prep went far beyond that of a traditional law enforcement officer. He was not just a protector of the school campus but also a mentor and friend to the students, faculty, and families. His consistent presence on campus—often seen patrolling the grounds, interacting with students, and offering a reassuring and steady presence to parents—made him a beloved figure within the school community. His calm demeanor and genuine interest in others set him apart, as did his willingness to lend an ear to anyone who needed guidance, reassurance, or simply someone to talk to.

“He didn’t just patrol the school—he took the time to get to know the students by name,” said Lisa Matthews, a parent of a student at Augusta Prep. “I always felt safer with him here. Brandon was a protector in every sense of the word. It’s such a huge loss for all of us. He wasn’t just an officer—he was part of our family.”

For the students, Deputy Sikes served as more than just a figure of authority. His approachability, patience, and genuine care for their well-being left an indelible mark on them. Whether he was making small talk with students in the hallways, engaging in their extracurricular activities, or attending community outreach events to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and young people, Deputy Sikes worked tirelessly to ensure that the next generation understood the importance of trust, safety, and respect.

His work was not just about safety measures—it was about building bridges. Deputy Sikes helped students understand the role of law enforcement in the community, but more importantly, he showed them that police officers could be approachable, kind, and trustworthy. In doing so, he helped lay the foundation for stronger community bonds and positive interactions between young people and local law enforcement.

“I think we all took comfort in knowing that he was here. He wasn’t just standing guard—he was involved, engaged, and cared for all of us,” remarked Michael Thompson, a teacher at Augusta Prep. “Deputy Sikes went above and beyond what was expected. He embodied the values of service, community, and protection.”

A Tragic Loss and A Hero’s Final Duty

The fateful night of April 26, 2025, was one that the Augusta community will never forget. Deputy Sikes was involved in a law enforcement operation that, tragically, turned deadly. Though full details of the incident remain under investigation, what is clear is that Deputy Sikes gave his life while serving his community. His sacrifice represents the ultimate commitment to the safety of others, as he put the needs of the public above his own well-being.

At the scene of the incident, Deputy Sikes was pronounced dead, leaving behind a grieving family, colleagues, and an entire community who held him in high regard. His death sent shockwaves throughout the Columbia County and Augusta areas, especially at Augusta Prep, where students, faculty, and staff have struggled to process the loss of a protector, a mentor, and a friend.

“Brandon was not just a deputy—he was a fixture of our campus, a part of our daily lives,” said Dr. Michael Gray, Head of School at Augusta Prep. “He was a constant presence, someone we could always rely on for guidance, support, and safety. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with his family, his fellow officers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

In the wake of the tragedy, the administration of Augusta Prep, in coordination with local authorities, has moved quickly to offer grief counseling and emotional support for those affected by the loss. For many students and staff members, Deputy Sikes was a trusted figure who brought them comfort and stability, and now, they must navigate the pain of his absence. The school community is still reeling from the suddenness of the loss, and emotional support is being provided through group sessions, private counseling, and activities to help everyone cope with the grief.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

The impact that Deputy Sikes had on the Augusta Prep community will never be forgotten. His legacy as a law enforcement officer, a protector, and a mentor will live on in the hearts and minds of those he served. To honor his memory, Augusta Prep has announced plans to hold a memorial service in his honor. This service will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together and pay tribute to a man who dedicated his life to keeping others safe.

In addition to the memorial service, the school has established a scholarship fund in Deputy Sikes’ name. The scholarship will support students who wish to pursue careers in law enforcement and public service, ensuring that his commitment to service continues to inspire future generations. The fund will be used to help students who share Deputy Sikes’ passion for public service, allowing them to follow in his footsteps and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Colleagues from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the region have rallied around Deputy Sikes’ family during this difficult time. Messages of support, tributes, and condolences have flooded in from fellow officers, community members, and others whose lives were touched by Deputy Sikes’ service. It is clear that he was deeply respected by his colleagues, who remember him not only for his professionalism and dedication but for his kindness and his ability to connect with others.

Deputy Sikes was not just an officer; he was a hero who put the needs of others above his own, a mentor who shaped the lives of young people, and a friend who made everyone feel safe and valued.

A Community United in Grief and Strength

As the Augusta Prep community comes to terms with the loss of Deputy Sikes, the bonds between students, faculty, staff, and families are growing stronger. The grief that has gripped the community is palpable, but so too is the resilience and strength that Deputy Sikes instilled in those around him.

In the days following his death, students and staff have come together to share their memories and to support one another. Small groups have formed to talk about their grief and to remember the positive impact that Deputy Sikes had on their lives. These moments of reflection have been a way for the community to find comfort and healing in the midst of their pain.

Local churches and community centers have also opened their doors to provide additional support, offering prayer services and counseling to those who are struggling with the loss. The entire community—within Augusta Prep and beyond—has united in grief, but also in a commitment to honor Deputy Sikes’ memory and to ensure that his legacy of service and kindness lives on.

A Continuing Legacy of Service

In the days and weeks to come, the Augusta Prep community will continue to remember Deputy Brandon Sikes as a hero—a dedicated public servant whose selflessness and compassion made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His life and service will continue to inspire students, faculty, staff, and families at Augusta Prep, as well as the larger Augusta and Columbia County communities.

Through the memorial service, scholarship fund, and ongoing community support, Deputy Sikes’ legacy will live on. While his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit of service, dedication, and care for others will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Deputy Brandon Sikes was not just an officer in uniform. He was a protector, a mentor, and a friend. His loss is immeasurable, but his impact will continue to shape the Augusta Prep community for generations to come.