GREENSBORO, N.C. — Thursday's motorcade for fallen Greensboro Police Sergeant Dale Nix will stretch for miles.
The funeral procession will go from Guilford Memorial Park to Westover Church in Greensboro.
Giving the public and local law enforcement a chance to say their final goodbyes to the 23-year veteran of the force.
John LeGrand is a lieutenant with NC A&T police and had a close relationship with Sgt. Nix.
"Tomorrow my heart will be heavy as it has been the last few days," Lt. LeGrand said. "Just trying to get through tomorrow. Tomorrow we will lean on each other."
Lt. LeGrand was in the same police academy as Sgt. Nix in 2001.
"He was laid back and helpful. He always offered suggestions for things we could improve on," Lt. LeGrand said. "I often went to him and he often came to me."
For more than a week now Lt. LeGrand and the community have been mourning the loss of Sgt. Nix.
Greensboro Police say he was shot and killed at a Sheetz Gas station while trying to stop three people from stealing beer.
He's being laid to rest with the help of Lt LeGrand's officers from NC A&T, Reidsville police, and several other surrounding agencies.
"We will be on traffic post," LeGrand said. "That includes directing traffic and stopping traffic at key locations so it will not hinder the procession route.
Reidsville Police Chief Ray Gibson said he'll have five officers help with traffic control as the procession rolls through the city.
"It's an honor that we're able to help," Chief Gibson said. "Anytime a law enforcement officer is killed in an official capacity is tragic."
Law enforcement across the Triad are hurting as they prepare to lay down one of their own.
"It's a tough day when you lay a fellow officer to rest who was just trying to protect and serve his community," Chief Gibson said. "It's a tough time to deal with. It's something as a chief you never hope happens in your department or anyone across the United States."