GILCHRIST COUNTY, Fla. -- The small, tight-knit community of Trenton was filled with law enforcement agencies from around the state and hundreds of other mourners Tuesday to remember the two deputies killed last week.

Flags continued to fly at half-staff in Gilchrist County in honor of Sgt. Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey. 

The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office deputies were shot and killed last week as they sat down for lunch at a restaurant. 

Thousands turned out for the public viewing and funeral service at a the Bell High School gym. Bagpipes played as graveside honors followed at Bronson Cemetery.

Authorities say 58-year-old John Hubert Highnote shot Ramirez and Lindsey on Thursday at the Ace China restaurant. He then went to his car and killed himself.

Sheriff Bobby Schultz blamed the deaths on hatred toward law enforcement. 

"We will refuse to give up," Schultz said Tuesday. "We will refuse to give in to Satan. We will refuse to say that we are lesser than other people. We will refuse to apologize for doing our job that God has called us to do."

 

 

Police officers, sheriff's deputies and troopers from practically every corner of the state were in Trenton to pay their respects.

Ramirez and Lindsey were called over the radio for the last time around 3 p.m. Tuesday.

"Gilchrist to Papa 268 and Papa 293. Thank you for your service - rest easy, we have your watch from here. Papa 268 and Papa 293 this is the end of watch for the final time."