Hundreds of mourners gathered at Griffin First Assembly Church of God to pay their respects to a fallen hero, Spalding County Sgt. Marc McIntyre. The deputy was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic call on Dec. 29. The congregation crowded into the church on Friday, many donning Hawaiian shirts—the deceased officer's favorite attire when off-duty—to honor his memory, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Sgt. McIntyre, who served 8-1/2 years with the Spalding County Sheriff's Office, is remembered for more than just his unique choice of clothing. Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were among those who attended the service, where they joined countless officers from various jurisdictions. A photograph of McIntyre wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt was placed prominently before his flag-draped casket, a sight that was echoed across the attendees, who had draped themselves in similarly patterned apparel as a tribute to their fallen colleague, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
At the service, Lt. Michael Storey shared his memories of Sgt. McIntyre, praising his dedication to community interaction which led him from narcotics to patrol duties, "He told me that as a narcotics investigator, he didn't get the interactions with people that he got from patrol and he missed that," Storey said. Oak Hill Church Pastor Stephen Dervan spoke of the sergeant's extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts, many currently worn by those attending the service, in memory of the life and spirit of McIntyre, as per FOX 5 Atlanta.
Across the community, the impact of the tragedy was palpable as residents lined the streets. People like J.D. Walker expressed their support and sorrow, "We don't want nobody to lose their life, but the job got to be done. And it's good that the people line up for the funeral and everything and just showing their respect that's what I'm here for," Walker said. The display along the procession route was a raw testament to the community's bond with their law enforcement officers and the personal loss felt by many, as cited by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Spalding County Sheriff's Office also announced that donations in memory of Sgt. Marc McIntyre can be made at any United Bank branch, an action that will extend support to his bereaved family and celebrate a life devoted to service.
