‘A true American Patriot;’ Ga. police department mourns death of officer

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — The Rome Police Department announced the death of Officer Jose Manual Picon, who died on Monday.

Although Picon began his law enforcement career with the department on Jan. 20, 2017, officials said he was considered a member of the Rome PD family long before his hire date.

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Before working at the department, Picon assisted the Rome/Floyd Metro Task Force while serving in the Army/National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

During his years of service in the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Picon’s primary role was to assist local agencies with surveillance operations, as he had prior experience as a drug investigator.

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Picon’s peers described him as a “unique” person dedicated to his faith, family and services in the military and law enforcement.

“His patriotic attitude was contagious and was overshadowed only by his selflessness,” officials wrote. “Joe Picon was a real-life hero and a true American Patriot.”

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