Community prepares to bury 2nd officer killed in the line of duty in just weeks

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — It has been a tough month for law enforcement across metro Atlanta after two deputies from different departments were both killed while on duty just last week.

The community of Carroll County is mourning the loss of Investigator Taylor Bristow, 30, who died days after he was shot in the face while attempting to sign a warrant.

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Bristow, known for his love of family, his job, and Georgia football, was shot last Tuesday while assisting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) with a child exploitation search warrant. He died on Friday at Grady Memorial Hospital.

He died on the same day that Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham, also 30 years old, was laid to rest. Cunningham was responding to a domestic call Saturday when investigators said he was ambushed.

Funeral services for Bristow are scheduled for Thursday at Mount Holly Church in Carroll County. Outside the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, a memorial in his honor continues to grow as coworkers, friends, and community members come by to pay their respects.

Channel 2′s Christian Jennings talked to Bristow’s best friend Clay Patterson on Monday. He and Bristow used to patrol together at Carroll County Sheriff’s office. He said it was Bristow’s dream to become an investigator and he got that promotion last year. Outside of work, Patterson said his friend loved family, his friends and UGA football. Bristow leaves behind a wife and two children.

“He was so slow-moving and just carefree that we always made good fun of him and he laughed about it. But I took advantage of that. I took advantage of how humble he really was,” said Patterson.

He said Bristow’s wife is overwhelmed and grateful for all the support from the community.

“This is my 17th year in law enforcement. I’ve been to funerals. I’ve had people who worked with me and for me pass away. But never a line of duty death like this. I never really knew how it would feel to happen to me with someone I was this close with.”

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“We’re just here as chaplains to support them and to give them peace of mind, an outlet to share the grief, share the loss, and be there for them,” said Carroll County Chaplain Keith Jiles.

Jiles added that it has been a heavy week for law enforcement across the area. Five chaplains from surrounding counties, including Fulton, Polk, and Chattooga, have been providing support.

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Donations for Bristow’s family are pouring in, with West Georgia First Responders serving as the official donation platform. The organization’s founder, Shane Davis, said they have already raised over $35,000 and hope to keep donations coming in through Christmas.

“Maybe by then the dust will settle, and we’ll really get to know where you can get in and help them out,” said Davis.

Fallen Paulding County deputy laid to rest Friday afternoon

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