Funeral services for Hays County Sheriff Allen Bridges drew hundreds of mourners Wednesday, as people gathered to show respect for the law enforcement officer.

It was standing room only this morning at San Marcos First Baptist Church, where funeral services were held for Bridges after his sudden death.

"He was the kind of person who could arrest you and not only talk you into the handcuffs, but also have you enjoying the trip to the jail house," said Mark Newton, pastor.

Laughter was bittersweet; he shared stories about the man friends and family says led his life with integrity.

"The family was on a trip near Rockport, and he saw a deer that was caught in a fence -- he turned around, he went back and found some wire cutters and cut the fence and let the deer out and all I could think about was 'I wonder about that fella who got his fence cut [what he] thought about the whole situation,'" said Newton.

Bridges died early Saturday morning after collapsing at home. The cause of death has not been made public. Bridges was 62.

“He was truthful, he was honest, he was loyal to his employees,” said Newton.

Just last May, Bridges stood up for his deputies, asking county commissioners for pay raises.

Prior to working in Hays County, Bridges served 25 years as an Austin police officer, dedicating much of his time to the Blue Santa toy drive.

"You know Allen was the first one to get to the office and many times the last one to leave during the Blue Santa season," said Joe Munoz, Austin Police Department.

As sheriff, Bridges personally delivered toys to needy children in Hays County.

Other sheriffs at Wednesday’s service said Bridges set an example they all tried to follow, including Lavaca County Sheriff Micah Harmon.

“He didn't put himself above anyone else. He was out there in the trenches everyday working and really cared about the community,” said Harmon.

After the church service, a police escort led the way to Bridges' burial site at Phillips' Cemetery in Dripping Springs.

Austin police have dedicated the remainder of this year's Blue Santa toy drive to Bridges.

Bridges is survived by his wife of 37 years, their five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.