MORROW, Ga. — A metro Atlanta police department is mourning the loss of a longtime officer and reserve officer whose death was announced by the department this week.
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In a heartfelt message, the Morrow Police Department said Retired Det. Tate had fought a long battle before passing away.
“It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Retired Detective Tate,” the department wrote.
Although Tate had officially retired from full-time service, officials said he remained deeply connected to the department. Until just a few weeks ago, he continued serving as a reserve officer.
The department described Tate as more than a coworker, calling him family.
“The bonds formed in this line of work are different from those of an ordinary job,” the statement said. “We spend countless hours together, depend on one another, laugh together, struggle together, and somewhere along the way, coworkers become family. Tate was family.”
Colleagues remembered Tate for his sense of humor and authenticity.
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“And anyone who knew Tate knows there was only one Tate,” the department wrote. “He was funny, unapologetically himself, and truly did not care what anyone thought about it.”
Police said Tate’s presence and personality left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him, and his loss will be felt throughout the department.
“Our department will not be the same without him,” the statement said. “However, we have so many amazing memories with him, and we will hold onto them forever.”
The department asked the community to keep Tate’s wife, children, grandchildren, friends and the entire Morrow Police Department family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“Rest easy, Detective Tate,” the department wrote. “You fought your fight. We’ll take it from here.”
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