South Fulton Police Division faces two tragedies in a single week

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. – The Metropolis of South Fulton is grappling with two devastating incidents involving its police division inside a single week.

What we all know:

Captain Helio Garcia was killed within the line of obligation when a driver crossed a double line, marking a big loss for the division.

Simply 4 days later, Lieutenant Charles Prepare dinner was shot 4 instances whereas helping a Fulton County officer.

What they’re saying:

South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows, a veteran with 39 years in legislation enforcement, described the week as one of many hardest in his profession.

“It was extraordinarily arduous. I bear in mind after I first heard about Lt. Prepare dinner. The very first thing that popped in my thoughts was, I can not lose one other one,” Meadows stated.

The division has been going through emotional challenges as they mourn the lack of Captain Garcia, a foundational member, and take care of the capturing of Lt. Prepare dinner. Chief Meadows famous the affect on his officers.

“It hits slightly totally different when you’re the police chief, and also you lose an officer,” he stated. “A lot of our younger officers had that thousand-yard stare of their eyes.”

In response, Meadows and his command employees held conferences with officers to offer help and sources.

“It is essential for us to provide our officers that outlet that they want,” he emphasised, mentioning the involvement of Worker Help Applications (EAP) in these classes.

Regardless of the challenges, there was a second of hope as Lt. Prepare dinner was welcomed house by his neighbors with indicators and cheers after being launched from the hospital.

(Credit score: South Fulton Police Division)

“Lieutenant Prepare dinner was lately launched from the hospital. He got here out of ICU a few days in the past, and he is doing very effectively,” Meadows shared.