The Newton County Board of Commissioner’s meeting started off on a somber note Tuesday as Newton County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Sammy Banks spoke of Deputy Justin White, who died that morning from injuries sustained in a car crash on Oct. 30.

“The outpouring of this room, and the surrounding counties … I can’t put into words,” Banks told the board of commissioners (BOC). “We put our lives on the line every day for the citizens of the county and we will continue. We will still be here no matter what day of the week it is.”

Banks said Sheriff Ezell Brown will send out a statement on Thursday, announcing the funeral arrangements for White.
White, 28, had a 3-year-old child and will be buried in Newton County, so his child, parents and grandparents can visit, Banks said.

“We just ask for prayers, not only from the community but also from its leaders,” Banks said.

Following Banks’ remarks, the commissioners, staff and citizens at the Newton County Historic Courthouse stood in a moment of silence for White.

During commissioners comments, several commissioners spoke of prayers for White and his family, and District 3 Commissioner Lanier Sims, who has a 3-year-old son, said he would work on organizing a fundraiser for White’s family.
For more on White click here.