South Fulton rallies to help family of Lt. Helio Garcia after his tragic death
The Brief
Lt. Helio Garcia, a South Fulton police officer, was killed in the line of duty when another vehicle collided with his patrol car.
The Police Benevolent Foundation is providing financial support to Garcia's family, including a death benefit and a fundraiser for additional assistance.
A funeral service for Lt. Garcia will be held at World Changers Church International, with a motorcade escort planned.
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The metro Atlanta and state law enforcement communities are working to honor the life of Lt. Helio Garcia.
The South Fulton police officer was killed in the line of duty late Tuesday night.
The backstory
Authorities said Garcia died around 11:30 p.m. on April 15 when another vehicle veered into his patrol car on Flat Shoals Road. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
The loss has deeply affected the South Fulton community. In response, the Police Benevolent Foundation has stepped in to support Garcia's family. The organization is providing a death benefit equal to one year's salary, up to $70,000, and has launched a fundraiser to deliver additional financial assistance as quickly as possible.
What they're saying
"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," said Randy Byrd, director of the Police Benevolent Foundation.
Byrd said funds will be distributed to Garcia's family as donations come in to prevent any delay in providing support.
What's next
Lt. Garcia will be honored at a funeral service on Friday at noon at World Changers Church International. A motorcade escort will begin staging at 11:15 a.m. in the parking lot of 4855 Old National Highway in College Park.
What you can do
Family and friends have also organized a separate fundraiser through GoFundMe to support Garcia's wife and children. The PBA of Georgia and the Police Benevolent Association are also taking monetary donations.
SEE ALSO:
South Fulton police officer killed in head-on crash, other driver identified
City of South Fulton honors police officer killed in head-on collision
Funeral arrangements announced for South Fulton officer killed in crash
Flags lowered to half-staff in honor of fallen South Fulton officer
The Source
The details in this article were provided by the South Fulton police chief and the family of Lt. Helio Garcia. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
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