ZEBULON. N.C. — Family, friends and colleagues paid their final respects to a Benson police officer found dead in his submerged car earlier this week.

Sgt. Ronnie McLamb's funeral was held at Hopkin's Chapel Baptist Church in Zebulon.

Many law enforcement officers and emergency responders attended and paid their respects to the officer, who drowned in a creek while off duty.

On Monday night, the recently-promoted officer and his personal car were found submerged in a Harnett County Creek.

Judging from the skid marks and the condition of the car, investigators ruled McLamb's death an accident. Authorities said his vehicle hit a deer and struck several trees before going in the creek.

The 25-year-old sergeant had been on the police force for about four years.

In a released statement, the Benson Police Department said McLamb was "well-liked by his fellow officers and admired for his dedication to the department, the public, and the community he served."

McLamb was last seen driving from a friend's house Saturday night. When he did not show up for work Monday evening, family and friends knew something was wrong. They retraced his route along Highway 301.

McLamb's wife spotted the car in the creek near Hodge's Chapel Road.

His death leaves 17 officers left on the Benson police force.