2005 Peace Officer Memorial Day (GA)

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https://www.gapost.org/pdf_file/memorial05.pdf


PRESS RELEASE
In Memory of those officers who
have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the
citizens of Georgia.
They will not be forgotten.
The 2005 Peace Officer Memorial Day ceremony will be held Wednesday May 18th at 11:00
a.m. on the grounds of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia, site of
the Public Safety Memorial Wall. The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor of the
State of Georgia, will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony will pay tribute
to all Georgia peace officers who died in the line of duty. The officers to be recognized this
year are:
Kenneth R. Burton - Richmond County Sheriff’s Office - died January 4, 2004 - Deputy
Burton was struck by an automobile while directing traffic at the accident scene where a
tractor-trailer had overturned. He was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his
injuries, two days later.
James C. Gilbert, Jr. - Henry County Police Department - died May 2, 2004 - Sgt. Gilbert
was killed when his patrol car struck the back of a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of the
interstate.
Wesley Mack - Columbia County Sheriff’s Office - died July 12, 2004 - Deputy Mack was
on duty as part of the agency’s patrol unit. He was on a motorcycle in the median of I-20
when he attempted to make a U-turn entering the highway to pursue a violator. For unknown
reasons, he traveled into the right lane and into the path of an oncoming vehicle who struck the
right rear of the motorcycle. Deputy Mack succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Christopher L. Ruse - Pendergrass Police Department - died December 29, 2004 - Officer
Ruse attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding. A short vehicle pursuit resulted in a motor
vehicle accident where the suspect’s vehicle overturned. As officer Ruse approached the
wrecked vehicle he was shot twice by one of the two suspects. Ruse was able to return fire,
striking one of the two men. Officer Ruse died a short time later of his wounds.
The public is invited and encouraged to participate in the ceremony. If you have any questions
regarding this year’s ceremony please contact Ryan Powell at Georgia POST Council. The
phone number is (770) 732-5802.