‘The pure definition of a hero’ Mother and sister speak about deputy killed in line of duty

COBB COUNTY, Ga — The family of one of the Cobb County Sheriff’s deputies killed in the line of duty on Thursday, shared their sorrow and memories with Channel 2.

The mother and sister of sheriff’s deputy Jon Koleski, told Channel 2 his killing leaves a hole in their family that will never be filled.

“I was in complete shock. ... Even so many hours later, it still doesn’t feel real or solid yet,” said Koleski’s sister, Melissa Marchetti.

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Koleski’s family wants the world to know about the man they lost.

“I’m heartbroken but at the same time, I’m so proud of him because he’s like the pure definition of a hero in so many different ways, to his siblings, to his mother, to his country, to his wife, to his state. So, just an all-around hero. There’s no better way to describe him,” said Marchetti.

Before joining the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, his family told Channel 2 that Koleski served in the Army, serving three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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But on Thursday night, 42-year-old Koleski and fellow deputy, 38-year-old Marshall Ervin, were gunned down outside a home in West Cobb, while trying to serve a warrant.

“In the last conversation he told me don’t worry mom, I’m safe — and you don’t have to worry,” said his mother, Sue Koleski-Marchetti.

As for the shooting suspect, Christopher Golden, Koleski’s family wants to ask him why.

“It’s the smallest word but it’s like, you just ruined so many lives with what you just did,” said Koleski’s mother.

Koleski also leaves behind a wife. Ervin leaves behind a wife and two children.

Families that are now shattered, forever.

“It’s just left a deep scar on my family and there’s a void that will never be fulfilled,” said his sister. “He was stolen from us.”

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