Newton Co. man killed while working in Afghanistan

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Newton County man was shot and killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve. 

Joe Griffin, a former Newton County sheriff's deputy, was working with the defense contract company DynCorp International when he was shot by a female police officer, Channel 2's Dave Huddleston reported.

Griffin, 49, worked as a sheriff's deputy from 1996 to 2007. 

"He loved his job. He absolutely loved his family and we loved him in this community. He was so dedicated to the force and helping the people of Newton County." said Lt. Tyrone Oliver. 

Oliver worked with Griffin for several years. 

"I got to watch him on patrol and see how he interacted with the public, just a great guy. he will surely be missed," Oliver said.

Funeral arrangements haven't been made yet. Griffin's body is still in the custody of the U.S. military. 

The body will be given to the family in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del.  Griffin is survived by his wife, Rennae, and his son, Tim.

WSBTV