Clermont County is honoring Det. Bill Brewer, the sheriff's deputy shot and killed in the line of duty last weekend. During funeral services Friday he was remembered as a man who could be counted on to do the right thing.
"This would be the guy I would want to show up if my family members were in need," said Sheriff Steve Leahy.
"I'm a mess. I'm a wreck. I'm devastated, but just like all of you, how can I not be when I know that Bill's family is not okay?" Leahy asked mourners.
Leahy thanked the community and honored his deputies and first responders from around the region that responded to the incident that took Brewer's life.
The emotional sheriff wrapped up his comments by addressing the man accused of luring officers to his home and killing Brewer. "To that a—hole in my jail, I have two words for you on behalf of Bill's family, this county, my office and all the cops across this country: screw you."
The church service concluded with a video of school children holding hearts and thanking Brewer for his service.
Brewer, a 20-year department veteran, leaves behind a wife and 5-year-old son.
A procession with hundreds of safety vehicles will soon leave the church and go through Batavia, onto westbound State Route 32, south on I-275, east on State Route 125, and ending at the Pierce Township Cemetery where Brewer will be buried with full police honors.
Prosecutors say they intend to seek the death penalty for the man accused of Brewer's killing. Lt. Nick DeRose was also injured in the incident. He was treated for his injuries and released from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
