GREENSBORO, N.C. — On the way to the funeral service, Sergeant Dale Nix's processional took over parts of the Triad Thursday afternoon.
Friendly Avenue and Muirs Chapel Road fell silent to make way for one of Greensboro's hometown heroes.
Sergeant Philip Dale Nix is a man of service, honor, and dedication to the City of Greensboro. Some residents came out to see the procession and paid respects with heavy hearts.
"It was a tragedy, what happened to Sergeant Nix. It's nice to see the community come together to honor him. We feel privileged that the processional will come through in front of our business where we can step out and honor him as well," Tina Combrinck-Graham said.
She is a Manager at Kutting Edge Salon off Friendly Avenue.
"It's just hard for every agency right now. It's hard for the fire department, police, especially for the Greensboro Fire Department," volunteer firefighter Adam Burroughs said.
As a volunteer firefighter, Burroughs said living a life of service comes with true dedication. He said Sergeant Nix was a role model for him.
"When I found out it was one of our officers, one of Greensboro Police officers. It broke me. I just didn't know what to say, it just hurts," Burroughs said.
Sgt. Nix passed December 30th while trying to stop a crime at a Sheetz gas station on Sandy Ridge Road. He was off-duty at the time.
To many, Sgt. Nix is a hero. He served the City of Greensboro for more than two decades.
"He was one of the best of the best. He is a brave hero that has served this community for many many years," Buddy Milks said.
"We pray for you every day. We pray for you every minute of every day. First responders, active military, and veterans so they can get home safe every day," Gwynne Donohue said.
She stood on Friendly Ave waving a flag for Sgt. Nix. Donohue volunteers with the local chapter of Triad Honor Flight.
Many people said they had to come to pay their respects to Sergeant Nix. Whether they knew him or not.
It speaks volumes of how close-knit our community is in Greensboro.
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