NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The funeral for a Cheatham County deputy, who was killed last week in a crash, was held in Madison.
Deputy Stephen Reece had been working for the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office for less than year. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Reece was killed in a crash on Friday, when he didn't stop at a stop sign and a van hit him. He wasn't wearing a seat belt but troopers said it wouldn't have helped.
A somber moment of silence as an American flag is presented to the family of Deputy Reece. His boss, Sheriff Mike Breedlove stands with his head bowed as two officers fold the flag. pic.twitter.com/0s3GU6AENh
— Chris Conte (@chrisconte) November 19, 2019
Reece devoted majority of his life to serving others, whether that was his tenure as a Marine or decades in law enforcement. He entered the military immediately after graduating high school. His career spanned from his time working as a police officer in Chattanooga, Lebanon and Millersville.
However, he spent the most time at the Metro Nashville Police Department where he began to work in 2001.
Read more: 'His blood ran blue': Sister remembers Cheatham County deputy killed in crash
There's been an outpouring of support from the community. On Monday, a patrol car similar to his was parked outside the Cheatham County courthouse as people paid their respects.
Friends and family both describe him as a kind loving family man who is survived by his wife and two children.
Cheatham County Sheriff's officials posted a letter on their social media page. The best friend of Deputy Reece's wife wrote it, explaining the pain she feels as she grieves the loss of her husband. But it also explains the gratitude she feels over all the support she's received.
"Letter posted from the Cheatham County Sheriff's Facebook page to Deputy Reece's wife from her best friend, not sure if this was read at the memorial today or not:A LETTER WRITTEN FOR DEPUTY REECE’S WIFE (By her best friend) First of all, Brandi said there are no words to express the hurt and loss that Stephen’s family is experiencing right now. Stephen was a wonderful man who was loved by so many. Stephen was one of the hardest working men Brandi has ever met. He always wanted to make sure his family was taken care of. Stephen loved children, his mother, his sisters and his nieces and nephews. Stephen had a very large family and loved them all so much. He especially loved his fur babies, Jack (who passed away in 2016) and Harvey and Charlie. Brandi would also like to thank all the wonderful people who stepped up during this time to make things easier on us. Thank you to the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department and to Sheriff Breedlove for all that they have done. They have gone above and beyond from sitting at our home 24/7 to making sure all of our needs have been met. Brandi would like to thank the Kingston Springs Police Department as well as other departments and units that have assisted in that. Brandi would like to thank the Nashville Police Department, the Nashville FOP, the National FOP, Mr. James Smallwood, and Stephen’s CSU (Crime Suppression Unit) team. The brotherhood of police officers, families and wives are like no other. They are all wonderful people and have made this very difficult time a little easier. Brandi would also like to send a very special thank you to Danny Cage, Stephen’s very best friend. Without him, we could not have made it through these last few days. Another special thanks goes out to Brink Fidler and Tony Bourke who were two of Stephen’s Sergeants. They were more than just sergeants, he loved them both deeply and respected them fully. Thank You"
