GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County deputy who died after suffering a medical emergency while working on July 4 was honored in a procession and a celebration of life service on Wednesday.
The Gaston County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Phillip J. Maxwell was working in the jail when he collapsed. Maxwell was taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
On Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., a law enforcement procession will leave Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and escort Maxwell and his family to the First Assembly of God. A celebration of life service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Those who could not attend the service can stream the service online.
Maxwell served the sheriff's office for 20 years, joining the Gaston County force in 2004. He spent four years in the U.S. Army and nine years in the Army Reserve before that.
"He will be truly missed by our employees as well as the citizens he served," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Dallas Rescue Squad or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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