Slain detective's family uses faith to heal young son

POLK COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a slain police detective said they'll be in court when an accused killer faces a judge in January.

Kristen Hearne was ambushed when she provided back-up for a rookie officer in Polk County.

Channel 2's Chris Jose learned the detective's widower left his police job to raise the couple's 3-year old son.

More than two months ago, two worlds collided on a quiet county road.

It was supposed to be a check on a stolen car. Detective Hearne provided back-up for a rookie officer but they were ambushed.

Hearne’s family is worried about their son, Isaac.

“He can’t understand that concept right at this moment. I don’t think Matt can, and neither can I,” said Kristin's mother, Trish Brewer.

“That’s just something that can’t sink in our heads right now.

In the days and weeks since, this heartbroken family took some time for themselves: a trip to the mountains was an opportunity to reflect.

“I don't want him to go back,” Brewer said. “Not in law enforcement. It’s too dangerous. I don’t want to lose another one.”

Matt Hearne, a lieutenant for the Aragon police department, resigned shortly after Kristen’s death.

“I said, ‘You know, I have a son who’s 3 years old, who just lost his mom. With everything we’re going through, I just can’t put him through that again,’” Matt Hearne said.

Matt said there’s too much risk, too much danger that comes with a job he proudly did for 10 years.

“He don’t understand it, and he still doesn’t grasp the meaning of death. And where his mama is," Matt said.

In October, thousands showed up for Kristen’s funeral.

As time passed, Isaac began to ask about his mother.

“He knows she’s with Jesus, but he thinks she’s coming back,” Matt Hearne said.

“He said, ‘Where is my mommy? And I said, ‘She’s on a mission trip with Jesus.’ I said she’s doing some special work for him,” Brewer said.

Finding comfort through faith has helped ease the pain but it will never go away.

The family has a special ornament as a reminder of Kristen’s sacrifice.

“I got one for Matt, and I got one to put up, and will give it to Isaac whenever he’s older,” Brewer said.

They’ll wait until the time is right.

Kristen Hearne was a mother, daughter, sister and wife.

A police detective who dedicated her life, serving and protecting in Polk County.

“It’s not goodbye. It’s just until we meet again,” Brewer said.

Cox Media Group