ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Friends, colleagues, loved ones, and family all joined together Wednesday to honor the life and service of fallen Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy Adam Gibson.
Gibson, 31, was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 18, 2021, after a chase that led to a shootout near Cal Expo. Gibson was a six-year veteran of the sheriff's office and leaves behind a wife and 9-month-old child.
The socially-distanced funeral service was held at Bayside Adventure Church in Roseville. Attendance was limited to immediate friends and family as well as fellow law enforcement officers due to the pandemic.
Some of the speakers at the service included Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, fellow K-9 officers Sgt. Brett Schannep and Deputy Jeb Trummel, and Mark Capansky, who served in the Marines with Gibson.
Doug Gibson, Adam's father, read three scriptures on character, comfort, and hope following the invocation at the start of the memorial.
"This morning I share in your grief for Deputy Adam," Sheriff Jones said. "I stand up here because I am the sheriff and I am expected to bring comfort and healing. The best way to honor our fallen is by being together. And here you are. So, I thank you for that. I am here with you. I am grieving with you. Hurting with you. Crying with you. We seem to be here far too often."
Following the sheriff, his colleagues and friends, were two of Gibson’s sisters, Emily Nazimko, and Natalie Conner. Both women shared their memories of growing up with their brother and detailed what kind of person he was.
"He was one of the most tender and compassionate kids you'd ever seen," Emily shared. "You could always find him snuggling kittens or cuddling puppies. And baby humans? That was on a whole different level."
"Adam showed signs of having a very sharp and quick intellect at a very young age," Natalie said.
The sisters also shared stories of how Adam met and reconnected with his wife Rachel after his time in the Marines.
The final person to eulogize Deputy Gibson was his wife Rachel. Her remarks were short and heartfelt – and she did it all while holding their infant daughter, Sophie.
"Adam Sam, you would be mad at me for this large service, but, just love me," Rachel said, speaking to her husband’s spirit.
"One of my favorite memories was when you became a dad. "I promise to do all those things with [Sophie] that you always promised to do. She will always know who you are and that you were a hero to us," Rachel said.
After his wife spoke, a tribute video was played. That was followed by Pastor Jim Whitcombe with a message of hope, then with Capt. Jason Ramos delivering the closing remarks at Deputy Gibson’s memorial.
Chaplain Debra Fontes with the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento gave the benediction.
Finally, the End of Watch callout was made for Deputy Adam Gibson.
A motorcade of law enforcement officers led a funeral procession for fallen Deputy Gibson from the church to the gravesite. California Highway Patrol (CHP) motorcycle officers were out in front of the group and lined up outside the church as the funeral wrapped, ready to escort Gibson’s body to be laid to rest.
Several people also came out to line the route, holding signs and flags honoring the deputy.
To share your messages for Gibson, email RememberingAdam@sacsheriff.com
