On the 24th anniversary of his death in the line of duty, members of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, family, and community members gathered to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant Wilbur Lewis Berry, a dedicated law enforcement officer who gave his life on May 19, 2001, while serving a warrant.
The solemn ceremony was led by Sheriff Noel Brown who was a personal friend of Berry's. He opened the event and shared emotional reflections on Berry’s life, career, and enduring impact on the department.
Live stream of the service
Berry, who began his law enforcement career more than 50 years ago, worked his way up to the rank of sergeant at the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office. Described as a mentor, friend, and man of faith, he was known for his people-first approach to policing—always striving to resolve conflict with respect and compassion before resorting to arrest.
“Sergeant Berry simply was what a county deputy is all about,” Sheriff Brown said. “He loved people. He loved his county. He loved his family, and he loved God. But more than that, he enjoyed going to work every day and doing what he did for the citizens of this county.”
Those who worked with Berry remembered his commitment to guiding young deputies. Bobby Durden, who retired from the Sheriff’s Office after 42 years, recalled the way Berry mentored him early in his career, helping him understand how to de-escalate situations and communicate with dignity.
“I do believe I am here today because Wilbur taught me how to talk to people,” Durden said. “Instead of fighting someone, Wilbur would say, ‘Come on and get in the car.’ He was showing me how to avoid unnecessary danger—and it saved me more times than I can count.”
Durden also announced upcoming events that will honor Berry’s legacy, including the Wilbur Berry Ride on October 4, 2025 at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, and a Southern rock benefit concert on August 23, 2025 at the Emma Kelly theater with proceeds going toward the 200 Club and first responder support efforts.
In a moment of levity, Sheriff Brown shared a fond memory of Berry’s signature chewing tobacco routine—flinging a wad of Taylor Pride tobacco into the corner of a patrol car windshield with uncanny accuracy. “He never missed a lick,” Brown said with a smile. “That was our Wilbur.”
Joey Fennell, Bulloch Sheriffs Chaplin led a devotion after, with reflections from Scripture reminding those gathered of the eternal significance of Berry’s sacrifice. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” Fennell read from the Book of John. “Wilbur demonstrated this greatest love through his unwavering commitment to serve and protect others.”
As the service drew to a close, dispatchers from Bulloch County 911 delivered a final radio call, pausing all public safety communications to solemnly mark the moment of Berry’s sacrifice. “He may be gone,” the dispatcher said, “but he will never be forgotten.”
The wreath was ceremonially removed and returned inside by honor guard members Deputy Aneshia Best and Captain Kenny Thompson as attendees stood in silence by honoring the memory of a deputy who embodied duty, compassion, and courage.
