MOSES LAKE -- Thousands of people gathered at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake to pay their respects to Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy John Bernard who was killed while driving his patrol car on January 3rd.

Members of the Police Highland Guard came all the way from Portland, Oregon to honor John Bernard and it's probably the last thing he would have wanted. Co-workers say that Bernard never wanted to be the center of attention rather someone who was always there with a helping hand.

“That's the kind of guy John Bernard was …. always thinking about the other guy always putting the other person first,” Pastor John Roberts said.

Bernard first worked in the Grant County Jail and later in the Ephrata Police Department as an officer. He was putting in his fourth year as a deputy with the sheriff's office when Bernard rolled his patrol car just after New Years Day.

“John loved his job so much he would have done it for free like many of us,” Earl Romig with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said. “Based on his devotion he worked until his body could not longer sustain his drive and passion when he has his battle with cancer.”

Perhaps the only job Bernard liked better was being a husband and father. He and his wife Tammy raised two hard working sons, with his son Brandon following in his dad's footsteps as a Grant County deputy.

“As a father John impressed me the most with his unconditional love for his two sons and he was their role model,” Earl Romig said.

Romig has a personal connection with Bernard that extends past their personal and professional friendship. Two years ago when Romig was shot by a man who thought he was a coyote, John Bernard was one of the first deputies who responded to the scene to help Earl Romig out.

Also in attendance at Bernard’s memorial was Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, who choked up several times while talking about Bernard’s service and sacrifice.

“Each time I am struck not only by the courage of those we've lost but of the courage and strength of those they have left behind,” Governor Gregoire said.

Governor Gregoire presented Tammy Bernard with the state’s flag, mindful that Bernard was the seventh Washington law enforcement officer she has eulogized in the last two months.

Following the public memorial service Deputy John Bernard was laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony in Ephrata.