Coweta County Sheriff's Office remembers late Deputy Eric Minix one year later

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - The wife of a fallen Coweta County deputy is expressing her appreciation to his department and their community on the one-year anniversary of his death in the line of duty. Deputy Eric Minix was struck on the side of the road and killed following a high-speed pursuit on Jan. 4, 2024.

"When I woke up and saw that the sheriff’s department did the moment of silence that was huge," Trina said about the anniversary. The department’s social media page posted the audio of a radio call played on Jan. 4, this year to recognize his death with a moment of silence.

The K-9 in Minix’s official department photograph is Bruno, the same dog at Trina’s side now. Bruno retired from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office just a few months before Minix’s death. Usually, a K-9 officer will keep a retired partner. In this case, Bruno’s care passed to Trina. She says it’s been mutual.

Coweta County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Minix and K-9 Bruno (Credit: Coweta County Sheriff's Office)

"We definitely have gotten a lot closer. I feel Eric through Bruno. He’s my little side buddy now," Trina said.

She says Bruno will occasionally go to their bedroom closet where Eric’s vest now hangs. The smells of his partner are comforting to him, and when Trina needs comfort.

"He’ll come closer to me when I’m upset, and I feel like it’s Eric saying cuddle her, be closer to her."

Coweta County Sheriff Deputy Eric Minix' urn with his favorite beer (Photo submitted by family)

There are remembrances throughout their home of Eric’s service, as well as his faith. And his sense of humor. A buddy occasionally leaves his favorite beer next to his urn.

A recent Facebook post shows Trina and Bruno outside their Meriwether County home where a blue porch light burns perpetually for her husband, who never returned.

Another shows Trina and daughter Annalee dressed in matching Christmas pajamas with a swath of the same material wrapped around the urn, so their holiday tradition could continue one more year.

Eric and Trina were married on Jan. 5, 2022. He died one day before their two-year-anniversary. (Photo submitted by family)

At the sheriff’s office, a shadow box containing Minix’s uniform shirt and other mementos from his career hangs on a wall. Flowers with a banner marking the date of his "End of Watch" remain in the lobby.

On this one-year anniversary of his passing, Trina wanted to say thank you for the love and support from Eric’s department and community.

Friends, family and colleagues from the Coweta County Sheriff’s office gathered on the one year anniversary of Minix’ passing. (Photo submitted by family)

"I just want everyone to know that I am so thankful and blessed to continue to have people reach out."

A family friend has created a challenge coin to honor Eric and to provide support for his family.