Family, friends remember Charlotte County firefighter Lt. Sam Dehrer
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. - A procession for Charlotte County firefighter Lt. Sam Dehrer honored his legacy.
Hundreds gathered to remember the decorated serviceman, whose life was taken a week ago today.
"Sam will live on through you and those gathered here today," said a speaker at the funeral.
"We must remember this, Sam is gone from our sights but never from our hearts," said another speaker.
The 18-year veteran firefighter was murdered at a Sarasota apartment complex. Shot twice by his estranged wife's ex-boyfriend, Michael Minor, 27, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
"When i heard Sam was shot I was in church and i did a special prayer for him and his family," said Jerome Harris, whose worked with Sam in the field for 13 years.
Sam, a fisherman and outdoorsman, touched many lives in Charlotte County. His brother, Tyler, credits Sam with the man he is today.
"The whole person that i am, every accomplishment that I've ever done, is because of him," explained Tyler. "He made sure to keep me in line, he taught me everything."
As Sam's casket lay in repose, his fire-fighting gear was just feet away. A reminder of an energetic, fun-loving guy with a big smile, says those who knew him.
"If you met Sam, he would put a touch in your heart," added Harris.
Whom friends say will never be forgotten.
"We're gonna miss him, we love him and Sammy i love you, will miss you," said Scott McLean, who attended the funeral.
The burial followed at Charlotte Memorial gardens, where Sam's father is buried.
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