Latest news with #JeremyLabonte
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Community pays respects to fallen Roswell officer as he's laid to rest
Dozens of people lined every awning and corner of Canton Street in downtown Roswell on Wednesday afternoon, and hundreds more packed Roswell United Methodist Church to pay respects to Officer Jeremy Labonte. Channel 2′s Eryn Rogers was among the members of nearly 60 law enforcement agencies - as near as Alpharetta and as far as Hinesville - who joined a funeral processional to carry Labonte to the church. 'The police and fire folks here stand in front of us every day, whether it's raining, sunshining or snowing, so doing the same for them, that's the least we could do,' said Jack Wyche, who's part of the Roswell Rotary. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Dozens of people stood in the rain under awnings and umbrellas to pay their respects and support the officer's family. 'These people are the people who protect us, and we need to protect them‚' said Gene Beckham with Roswell's Rotary Club. 'And when something like this happens, the community is heartbroken.' For some people who lined the processional route, there was a personal connection. Kayley Bynoski, who attends Blessed Trinity, said her dad is in law enforcement for Cherokee County. 'The fear of my father going to work everyday not knowing if he is going to come home, so I can just imagine the heartbreak and pain his family is going through,' Bynoski said. RELATED STORIES: END OF WATCH: Roswell officer killed in the line of duty identified Fallen police officer Jeremy Labonte remembered in Roswell Roswell officer killed in the line of duty had received award for saving man's life Roswell police had several interactions with suspect in officer's killing Channel 2′s Audrey Washington attended Labonte's funeral, where those who knew him said the 24-year-old took pride in protecting his family and his community. 'He was more than an officer, he was a protector,' one speaker said during the funeral. 'His life was tragically cut short in the line of duty, but his life will live on,' his childhood pastor remembered. Labonte joined the Roswell Police Department in 2021. The patrol car he drove over those years now serves as a memorial for people to stop by, lay down flowers and honor his life. 'Rest easy Jeremy. We've got the watch from here.' The City of Roswell set up a memorial fund to help Officer Labonte's family. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
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 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.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Fallen police officer Jeremy Labonte remembered in Roswell
Mourners paid their respects to fallen Roswell police officer Jeremy Labonte during a visitation on Tuesday at Roswell United Methodist Church. Labonte was shot and killed on Friday while responding to a call about a suspicious person in the area. When he arrived, police said that suspect, Edward Espinoza, opened fire. Labonte was only 24 years old. A procession that included the Roswell police department, the Roswell fire department, and other agencies escorted Labonte's casket to the church. Officers escorted the casket, draped with an American flag, into the church. Jeff Tweed, a family friend, spoke to Channel 2 about how moving it was to see so many people in the public safety sector gather to honor Labonte. 'He was a great, great guy. He would've given you the shirt off his back,' Tweed told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington. The funeral for Officer Labonte will be held today. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Spelman instructor, beloved coach disappear from boat found circling on Lake Oconee Delta tip leads to officer's arrest in 'sophisticated stalking scheme' against ex Gwinnett man who shot woman through door after she complained about loud music won't be charged [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
END OF WATCH: Roswell officer killed in the line of duty identified
Roswell police have identified the officer tragically killed in the line of duty on Friday night. Officer Jeremy Labonte, 24, was killed when he responded to a suspicious person call on Feb. 7, 2025. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The police department says Labonte joined them on Nov. 1, 2021. 'Over the years that followed, Officer Labonte faithfully and joyfully served the Roswell community as a member of the nightshift patrol alongside his D-Squad brothers and sisters. He was universally beloved by all who were blessed to know him as a friend, a husband, a son, and a public servant. His absence now leaves a void that could never be filled,' the police department wrote. A memorial has been placed outside of the police department. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the man accused of shooting him as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza. Espinoza is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault and more. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
