Fallen Officer Jeremy Labonte: Funeral to be held today in Roswell
The Brief
Roswell honors Officer Jeremy Labonte with a funeral service at Roswell United Methodist Church following his tragic death in the line of duty.
A procession will begin at 1:45 p.m. from Lebanon Baptist Church, with the public encouraged to line the route in support.
Labonte's squad car has become a memorial site, and his funeral will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
ROSWELL, Ga. - The Roswell community is coming together today to pay tribute to Officer Jeremy Labonte, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last Friday.
What we know
A funeral service will be held this afternoon at Roswell United Methodist Church, where family, friends, fellow officers, and members of the public will gather to honor Labonte's life and service. The 24-year-old officer was killed while responding to a call at a local shopping center, a tragedy that has deeply shaken the small city.
In the days leading up to the funeral, Labonte's squad car became a memorial site, covered with flowers, notes, and other tributes. "It's such a sad, sad time," one mourner said. "Roswell is a community in mourning."
RELATED: Roswell mourns fallen Officer Jeremy Labonte at visitation
On Tuesday, a procession carried Labonte's body to the church in a Roswell Fire Department vehicle, passing under a massive American flag draped over Canton Street. People lined the route, saluting as the procession passed. "It's just the right thing to do," one attendee said. "I feel like I know him."
A public visitation was held later that day, where attendees expressed their gratitude for Labonte's service and their sorrow over his loss. "I just wanted to stand beside them in any way I can," one mourner said. "To show that you're being honored, you're being remembered, and the community is here for you."
This afternoon, a procession will leave Lebanon Baptist Church at approximately 1:45 p.m., traveling to Roswell United Methodist Church for the funeral service, which begins at 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to line the procession route to show their support.
For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be livestreamed on the city's website and on FOX5Atlanta.com. The city has also set up remote viewing areas at Roswell City Hall, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, and Bill Johnson Community Center for those who would like to join others to watch.
The backstory
Officer Labonte, 24, was killed while responding to a call at the King Market shopping center on Market Boulevard. His fellow officers chased down the suspect and promptly arrested him.
Labonte began working for the Roswell Police Department on Nov. 1, 2021, as part of the night shift patrol.
He leaves behind a beloved wife.
What you can do
The Roswell Police Department and the Friends of Roswell Police established a fund through PayPal to collect donations for the Labonte family. Officials say this is the only authorized donation platform for the family.
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