SMITHFIELD, N.C. - April 27, 2020 - A Texas sheriff's deputy killed in a vehicle crash near Temple this last weekend will be honored with a Hold the Line apparel fundraiser from American lifestyle brand Shield Republic.

The first responder fell in the line of duty in the early hours of Sunday, March 26, when he was called to provide backup to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. They were pursuing a suspect fleeing north along I-35.

Deputy Rhoden was tasked with laying spike strips near Exit 294 to stop the fleeing suspect's vehicle. While laying the strips across the highway, he was struck by a passing semi-tractor-trailer.

Shield Republic Charities today launched a new Hold the Line campaign honoring Deputy Rhoden. Through the sale of commemorative t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, ladies' tank tops and decals, the company will raise funds for his family, to be donated from the sale's net proceeds at the close of the campaign.

Deputy Rhoden served with the sheriff's office for a decade. The 31-year-old was the son of former Bell County correctional officer and deputy sheriff Michael Rhoden, who retired from the Belton Police Department in 2016 after 20 years of service.




"Today we honor a brave first responder who was tragically killed after stepping up to a difficult and dangerous task as part of his calling to serve and protect," said Charlie Romero, spokesperson for Shield Republic. "We hope our Hold the Line fundraiser brings support and comfort to his family in the wake of this terrible loss."

View the Hold the Line fundraiser page for Deputy Rhoden at https://www.shieldrepublic.com/products/100-donation-hold-the-line-deputy-john-rhoden.

Shield Republic's Hold the Line fundraisers have donated more than $100,000 this year to the families and units of fallen first responders, police officers and K9 police dogs.




For more information about the Shield Republic Charities, contact charities@shieldrepublic.com.

About Shield Republic

Established in 2016, Shield Republic is an American lifestyle brand based outside Raleigh, North Carolina. The company offers creative, fresh apparel and merchandise embodying American pride. Everything sold by Shield Republic is designed and manufactured in the United States. Shield Republic appeals to patriotic Americans passionate about personal strength, second amendment rights and military strength. Through Shield Republic Charities, the company shows appreciation to soldiers, first responders and their families.

Learn more about Shield Republic and shop the online store at https://www.shieldrepublic.com. Read the Shield Republic lifestyle blog at https://patriot.shieldrepublic.com. Follow Shield Republic on Facebook (@ShieldRepublicCo), Instagram (@shield_republic), Twitter (@shieldrepublic) and Pinterest (@shield_republic).

Contact
Charlie Romero