ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County officials honored a fallen deputy who was killed in the line of duty by breaking ground on a new community park on Thursday.
Brandon Coates, a former Orange County deputy, was killed during a traffic stop five years ago, just a few weeks before Christmas.
He was patrolling an area that had a string of break-ins where thieves were stealing Christmas presents, according to authorities.
Within seconds of the stop, Coates and the driver entered a struggle before Coates was shot twice in the head, authorities said.
The driver was Brandon Lyals, 29, who turned the gun on himself after shooting Coates, police said.
"My son was a hero. He's always been one to serve others, ever since a child. I couldn't be more proud of my son," Debbie Griffin said.
Thursday, local officials and loved ones broke ground on the Deputy Brandon Coates Community Park.
"Today, this is about the Coates family, and Brandon Coates and the sacrifice he made. So this is a good day for Orange County," Sheriff Jerry Demings said.
Coates' mother said she is proud of her son and honored that the community will always remember his sacrifice.
"I know he's looking down smiling because he's going to see kids and families coming together and becoming friends," Griffin said.
Griffin said she will go to sit in the park often and watch the children that will play there.
"I know that I'm not alone. They've cradled me and showed me they do remember that my son was a hero," Griffin said.
The 29-acre field is on Deertrace Avenue and once finished will include a playground, skateboard park and exercise trail.
Construction is expected to be finished early next year.
WFTV
