WARM SPRINGS, Ga. — Funeral services will take place Tuesday for a fallen Warm Springs police officer described in his obituary as “the kind of person whose presence filled a room and whose absence will be deeply felt.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Chris Fisher, 36, was shot and killed Tuesday night while sitting in his police cruiser in a hotel parking lot, Channel 2 Action News reported. He leaves behind a wife, Carly, and two children, Ava and Knox.
He was one of only six officers on the Warm Springs Police Department, joining in May being promoted to sergeant in July.
“Sgt. Fisher was an exceptional person,” said Warm Springs Police Chief Matt Mayfield. “He cared very deeply for his community.”
Memorial services are scheduled for 3 p.m. at Flat Creek Baptist Church, with visitation starting at noon.
Rick Statham, pastor of Salem Baptist Church in McDonough, will officiate alongside Fisher’s childhood pastor. Fisher’s grandmother, who he called Nana, attends Statham’s church.
“They texted almost every day, and she would send him kind of an encouraging note each morning to be careful, and how much she loved him, and she’s one of those grandmothers everybody hopes to have,” Statham told Channel 2’s Bryan Mims.
Fisher served for five years in the U.S. Army a transportation specialist. He also served as a sheriff’s deputy in Meriwether County, Heard and Fayette counties and spent time as a SWAT officer.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Ex-KSU student had been dead for days; roommates didn’t notice
- SEC sues LSU, Lane Kiffin over ex-NFL players controversy
- Georgia police chief speaks after officer killed in the line of duty
But his last assignment was in a small, seemingly safe town of fewer than 500 people.
“I don’t know this for a fact, but I wouldn’t hesitate to think that he probably took that job maybe to step into a role that was not quite as risky,” Statham said. “But the reality is, every place for a police officer is risky.”
Mayfield said Fisher made an impact on his department and on Warm Springs.
“Sgt. Fisher wanted to work, he wanted to make a difference,” he said. “He liked what we were doing here. We were in a rebuilding phase, and we still are.”
Mayfield described his fallen comrade as a model officer and “was an even better man and better father.”
“Chris had an adventurous spirit and loved cave exploring, backpacking expeditions and anything that gave him the opportunity to get outside and experience something new,” the obituary read. ”He spent his life serving others, but to those who knew and loved him he will be remembered most for the life he brought others.”
The city of Warm Springs also released a statement Thursday, saying in part: “Officer Fisher served the people of Warm Springs with courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public safety. He answered the call to protect others knowing the risks that service could bring. His dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]