In the predawn hours of Aug. 22, Seminole County law enforcement officers were dispatched to perform a solemn task: escorting the body of one of their own to his hometown.

Longtime Deputy Gary Brooks unexpectedly passed away late Thursday night while undergoing a reported 10-hour open heart surgery at an Oklahoma City Hospital. The police escort rolled through Seminole County at around 5 a.m. Friday.

Brooks’ death sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, and several officials offered their condolences and reflected on the deputy’s life and career.

“Gary was an excellent law enforcement officer that had dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Seminole County. He will be sorely missed. This loss knocks a hole in a lot of people. Our prayers are with his family and his law enforcement colleagues at this time,” said District Attorney Erik Johnson.

“The Seminole Police Department would like to extend our condolences and prayers to the family of Deputy Gary Brooks. He was a friend and co-worker to many of our officers. He will be greatly missed,” Seminole Police Chief Jon Withers said.

“I have known and worked with Gary for more years than I can remember. Gary was a great deputy. He definitely had a servant heart…always professional in his actions. Seminole County will miss him. God bless his wife Tammy,” said Ernie Willis, Emergency Management Director for the City of Seminole.

County Commissioner James Allison remembered Brooks as being “honest and dependable.”

Brooks was born July

14, 1969 and listed Maud as his hometown. Funeral arrangements were pending at press time Friday.