From the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office: It is with great sadness that the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office announces the loss of Captain Gerald Higginbotham. Captain Higginbotham passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014 after his battle with cancer. Captain Higginbotham served Amherst County for over 40 years, beginning his career as a field deputy in February 1974, advancing as a Sergeant, and most recently serving as Captain over Investigations. His diagnosis of cancer came in November of 2013. He fought his disease with great courage and a constant desire to return to work.
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Captain Higginbotham was an outstanding officer, one who served as a role model to new officers in the department. He was always giving of himself to serve others and striving to make a difference by giving back to his community. His work ethic was beyond approach. He was meticulous with how he did his work always keeping in mind that he was there to serve the victims of a crime to the best of his ability. Bottom line he was a model law enforcement officer, one which all of us left behind should desire to be. Captain Higginbotham and his wife, Debra, were grateful for the outpouring of community support he received during his illness, including a benefit held for him on June 8, 2014. A visitation will be held Wednesday November 5, 2014 from 4pm-7pm at Whitten Monelison Chapel 3966 South Amherst Hwy. Madison Heights Va. 24572, the funeral will be held on Thursday November 6, 2014 at 11am at Madison Heights Baptist Church 329 Main St. Madison Heights, Va. 24572 and burial will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park 5196 Fort Ave. Lynchburg Va. 24502.