INGHAM COUNTY, Mich.–Hundreds of people held candles Thursday night as a reminder of the legacy Ingham County Deputy Grant Whitaker left behind.
“Even though he’d only been here a short period of time, he was one of those guys you wanted to run up and hug, full of life. He’s going to be sorely missed,” said Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth.
Grant Whitaker was just 25-years-old. He had only been a member of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department for a year and a half, but his impact on the community was much larger.
“These men and women, everyday, put their lives on the line. They have families, I’m a police wife myself and even though I didn’t know Deputy Whitaker, my husband did and it’s just nice to see the community supporting someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Meghan Reckling.
Several different police agencies, colleagues and even strangers packed the lawn in front of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department to remember Whitaker. Chelsea Manies says she’s one of those who didn’t know Whitaker personally, but felt drawn to the vigil to represent the positive in law enforcement at a time when there seems to be more negative.
“They need all the support they can get and even though I didn’t know him personally, I feel like it’s a responsibility and it’s a duty to just be here for support,” Manies said.
A law enforcement funeral for Deputy Whitaker will begin at 11A.M. on Friday.
