Beloved Cumberland deputy remembered for smile, service

Just days before Christmas, a community gathered to honor the life of Cumberland County Deputy Oscar Bolanos-Anavisca, hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver one week ago.

The church on Bingham Drive was packed throughout the day Friday with mourners, family and friends sharing emotional remembrances of a life lived in service.

Hs fiancée can't believe he's gone.

"I already miss your smile so much," Elena Schmidt said. "Your laughs, your hugs and your jokes, but I know that you are up in heaven and smiling down on all of us today from up there."

His cousin in heartbroken.

"Oscar, to me, was very special. Oscar was a role model," said Bryon Bolanos, "someone who would brighten your day with that beautiful smile he had, someone who loved his job, his friends, his family and his fiancée."

Deputy Bolanos-Anavisca was killed by an alleged drunk driver as he assisted K-9 officers searching for a robbery suspect at a convenience store.

Bolanos-Anavisca started his career with the sheriff's office as a school resource officer then became a patrol officer. But he continued to volunteer as an assistant football coach at the school when he was off duty.

Sheriff Ennis Wright called him a hero and said he was like family.

"I will miss him. I love him because he was one of mine. I love him because he put his life on the line for this county," Wright said.

As the hearse and funeral procession took Balanos-Anavisca to his final resting place, the words of his fiancée echoed in the hearts of those who came to say goodbye.

"Dec. 16 might have been your end-of-watch," she said. "But it was just your beginning of your time smiling down on us from Heaven with Jesus. I love you Oscar, and I will see you later and be safe."