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Memorial setup to honor Bell County deputy, sergeant who died just hours apart

Deputy John Rhoden was hit and killed by an 18-wheeler. 28 hours later, Sgt. Robert Pettigrew died of natural cases at his home.

BELTON, Texas — The Bell County Sheriff’s Department announced Monday it had set up a memorial in honor of a deputy and sergeant who died within 28 hours of each other.

Deputy John Rhoden was hit and killed early Sunday morning by an 18-wheeler on I-35 while he was laying down spike strips to stop a vehicle involved in a chase.

Sgt. Robert Pettigrew died of natural causes at his home in Lampasas County Monday morning. 

The sheriff's department placed Rhoden’s patrol vehicle on the sidewalk underneath the U.S. and Texas Flags in front of the Bell County Sheriff’s Department.

They invited the public to use the location to show their support for the two men.

RELATED: Bell County Sheriff's Department mourns loss of second deputy in one day

RELATED: Bell County deputy killed trying to stop vehicle involved in chase on I-35

Credit: Rocky Bridges
A Bell County Sheriff's Department patrol vehicle was setup as a memorial outside the sheriff's department.

The sheriff's department also wanted to remind everyone about the memorial foundation established in 2013 to help first responders and their families in times of need.

Donations can be made at the sheriff's department or send them to the Bell County Sheriff’s Department Memorial Foundation, PO Box 1563 Belton, Tx. 76513.

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