LAKELAND, Fla. — A memorial service was held for a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy who was killed in the line of duty at the age of 21.
The memorial was held Tuesday morning at the Victory Church in Lakeland. Deputy Blane Lane was killed in the line of duty while serving a felony warrant alongside other deputies in Polk City.
During the service, Sheriff Grady Judd spoke of how Lane loved his brothers and sisters in law enforcement along with the community throughout his entire life.
The sheriff explained how when the 21-year-old was younger, he would "study" him.
"Mom said he knew more about me than I probably knew about myself," Judd said. "Blane would watch my press conferences and quote my lines. He told everyone he was going to be a deputy sheriff, and one day, he was going to be the sheriff."
Judd said Lane will be remembered for the "greatness of his heart, his nobility of spirit, his infectious smile and his positive attitude."
"Blane was a man with heart, with soul and strength...," the sheriff explained.
Judd also made sure to complete the 21-year-old's dream by promoting him as the honorary sheriff for all eternity with a plaque made as proof.
Lane's family took to the stage to reminisce on the fond memories of Lane who they say always wanted to work for the sheriff's office.
"His passion was more than just becoming a deputy," Lane's grandfather said during the memorial. "He genuinely wanted to help people and make a difference in their life."
Lane's younger sister also spoke of memories with her brother she cherishes, saying she is "forever grateful that [she] got to be his little sister."
"I love you always, Blane," she said.
The 21-year-old's father said he knew what he wanted to be in life, and he would never be forgotten.
"Blane, I love you. You're my son," he said. "I'm proud of you, and I will see you again."
Law enforcement honors took place outside the church immediately after the service.
The full service can be watched below.
Cheryl Williams, 46, is facing 13 felony charges related to the 21-year-old deputy's death. Those charges include second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting arrest and meth possession.
"This is very difficult," Judd said previously when talking about Lane's death. "This is like losing one of your kids."
The young deputy lived in Fort Meade and entered the police academy in September 2020 before graduating and becoming a detention deputy in May 2021. He was sworn in as a deputy with the sheriff's office in January 2022 and was assigned to the Northwest District Patrol team.
He leaves behind a 3-year-old child.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Lane is asking for donations to Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., in memory of Lane. You can directly donate to Lane's family by following this link.