Full law enforcement honors for Sgt. James Evans

GAINESVILLE - Northeast Georgia law officers gathered Wednesday to say goodbye to an officer Sheriff Steve Cronic called a "dear friend."

At Airline Baptist Church on White Sulphur Road, Cronic recalled Sgt. James Evans, his career and what he meant to the department.

The sanctuary was filled with friends, family and colleagues during a funeral service with full law enforcement honors.

Law officers from across the region formed an honorary motorcade that escorted Evans' casket from Memorial Park Funeral Home to the church.

"He was a mentor, and he was an inspiration to all of us," the sheriff said. "The Hall County Sheriff's Office, this community and each one of us has been greatly enriched by having James in our lives."

Sgt. Evans, a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division, died Saturday after his ATV collided with a car on Hillcrest Drive near his home.

Following the service, a horse-drawn caisson bore Sgt. Evans' flag-draped casket to the nearby church cemetery, escorted by the Sheriff's Department Honor Guard. At the gravesite, the honor guard fired a 21-gun salute.

Evans, 46, served 24 years with the Hall County Sheriff's Department.