FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Law enforcement officers and firefighters from across the area showed their respect for the fallen Locust Grove police officer on Monday.
The officers lined the Carmichael Funeral Home in Fayetteville where Officer Chase Maddox’s body will be cremated following Friday’s deadly shooting.
Channel 2's Craig Lucie was at the scene as a giant American flag was unfurled in the middle of Highway 74.
Dozens of motorcycle police officers, officers in squad cars stretched for about a mile down the road. The officers saluted Maddox’s body as it made its way inside the funeral home.
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Many of Maddox’s fellow officers were overcome with emotion.
“They know what he went through, they know what he did for a living, they have an understanding about what this means. It means a lot to us. It’s just a surreal moment,” said Locust Grove Police Officer Darrell Shoemaker.
Lucie said he saw people get out of their cars and salute the fallen officer.
Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes spoke to Gutherie's neighbor. She wasn't home at the time of the shooting and told Fernandes she is friends with Maddox.
"When I heard that he was young, I didn’t really wanna believe it was that officer but when I watched the news, that’s when I said 'Oh my God, it's him," said Natasha Smith. "My heart goes out to the family."
Smith said she'll never forget the officer, who mentored her teen and stopped her from going down a troubled path.
"When she watched the news, she was very devastated that it was him," Smith said.
Maddox's high school English teacher is taking his death hard. She hasn't seen him for 8 years but said she can remember his character and sense of humor for a lifetime.
"You go into this career and there are a few kids you always remember. Chase was one of those. He was special," she said.
Funeral plans have not yet been announced. Maddox’s wife, who is expected the couple’s second baby any day now, said she wants to attend his funeral.
The family of Officer Maddox has set up a bank account to receive donations for his wife and children.
You may drop off donations at any United Community Bank location and ask that it be deposited into "THE MADDOX FAMILY FUND."