There weren’t many dry eyes at Victory Church in Lakeland as the community joined Deputy Blane Lane’s family to lay him to rest.

What You Need To Know

  • Deputy Blane Lane was shot and killed by a fellow deputy

  • Deputy Blane Lane’s funeral service was at Victory Church in Lakeland

  • Lane’s family and fellow brothers and sisters in uniform said his memory will live on

A fellow officer accidentally shot the 21-year-old while serving a warrant. “He looked up to them,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Blane was only able to hunt armed men for 8 ½ months, but he left a lifetime of honor and respect for the community he loved.”

Members of Deputy Lane’s family shared heartfelt memories and stories of who he was behind the uniform. Many of their remarks bringing the room to tears.

“I know that I will never get over this; I love him so much,” said Lane’s grandfather, Darrell Sodders. “My heart is shattered. I hope the memory of Blane Lane will go forever, but I will see him again one day.” Darrell Sodders was among many family members who spoke at the funeral service on Tuesday.

“One of my best memories is when we would make cardboard boxes for our cop cars,” said Lane’s younger sister, Maddix Lane. “He got the biggest thrill in arresting me, even when I said it hurt. One time Blane was trying to bite me, so the only black eye Blane ever had was from me.”

Lane’s family and fellow brothers and sisters in uniform said his memory will live on. “We love you Blane,” said Deputy Lane’s cousin. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his support for the other responding officers that day, saying they did exactly what they were trained to do.

Donations for Lane’s family can be made to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.