The South Fulton community, along with metro Atlanta and statewide law enforcement, are coming together to support the family of Capt. Helio Garcia, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Garcia's patrol car was struck by another vehicle on Flat Shoals Road on April 15, around 11:30 p.m. He is survived by his wife and three children.
To pay homage to the fallen officer, the Police Benevolent Foundation has stepped in, offering a death benefit that matches one year's salary, up to $70,000. "It’s so rapid and sudden that the family is just consumed with trying to get through the sudden loss and grief, and for the funeral and what we want to do is provide financial resources as quick as we can to help with that burden so they don’t have to worry about the financial implications of what they’re going through," Randy Byrd, director of the Police Benevolent Foundation, told FOX 5 Atlanta. The organization has also begun a fundraiser to gather additional financial support for Garcia's family.
A separate GoFundMe has been organized to assist the Garcia family, which is further backed by monetary donations being accepted by the PBA of Georgia and the Police Benevolent Association. These funds will be distributed as donations come in to ensure no delay in supporting the family during this devastating time.
Capt. Garcia's life and service will be celebrated on Monday at World Changers Church International. Fox 5 Atlanta has reported that a funeral service will commence at 1 p.m. WSB-TV detailed the journey of a motorcade escort that begins staging at 11:15 a.m. in the parking lot of 4855 Old National Highway in College Park, with the route to proceed along Main Street in Cherokee County. It will then move right on Hwy 92, toward Interstate 575 southbound, onto Interstate 75, and then the connector before exiting I-75/I-85 at Old National Highway and continuing to the Burdett Road where the service will be held.
Those wishing to view and pay their respects can attend the viewing from 10 a.m. to noon. Amidst this outpour of support, the South Fulton community stands united to help the family of Capt. Helio Garcia navigate their sudden loss and to honor the legacy of a man who served his community to the end.
