'Nix was transformational': Funeral held for NC police officer killed trying to stop crime
Family and friends gathered Thursday to honor Greensboro Police Sergeant Philip Dale Nix, who was shot while trying to stop a crime at a Sheetz gas station.
Nix was off-duty when he was shot on Dec. 30 as he attempted to stop a group of people from stealing beer. Three people were later charged by Greensboro police.
On Thursday, a procession carrying Nix's casket started at 11 a.m. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. at Westover Church in Greensboro and ended with a 21-gun salute outside the church.
Numerous community leaders spoke Thursday about Nix's dedication to public service.
Catherine Johnson, director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center, said Nix was remembered as leader who put the community's most vulnerable first, including victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
"He charted a new era for our family justice center, community and nation," Johnson said. "Sergeant Nix was transformational."
Nix had a teenage son and was described by his peers as a loving husband, father, son and brother.
According to the Greensboro Police Department, Nix worked many assignments, including criminal investigations, as a detective, a patrol sergeant, and most recently-supervisor of the family victims unit. He was also a team leader for the department's peer support team for more than 12 years.
After Nix's death, Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags to be lowered to half-staff.
