A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the wife and two young children of Warm Springs police Sergeant Christopher Fisher, who was shot and killed while sitting in his patrol car in Georgia.
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association said all proceeds from its official appeal would go directly to Fisher’s family as they face the financial and personal consequences of his death.
Fundraiser launched for Warm Springs police sergeant’s family
Randy Byrd, of the police benevolent association, said supporting relatives of officers killed in the line of duty was central to the organisation’s work.
“Young children and a wife and kids, and it’s tough those kids will be growing up without a father,” he said.
Mr Byrd said the sudden loss of an officer’s income could create further pressure for a family already dealing with bereavement.
“When this tragedy happened, the officer was going to work every day providing for his family, then that void is there,” he said. “When that money suddenly stops and that income is not coming in, it can create another set of burdens for the family because those bills keep showing up.”
Fisher’s death came days after he arrested 23-year-old Jimmy Steverson during an incident at a petrol station. Court documents state that Steverson punched the officer and struck him in the face.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Steverson later ambushed Fisher while he was inside his patrol vehicle. He was found several hours afterwards in South Carolina with a gunshot wound and died from his injuries.
Community remembers Sgt Christopher Fisher
Fisher, who was 36, had served in the US Army as a transport specialist before moving into law enforcement. He worked for agencies in Heard, Fayette and Meriwether counties, and also served as a SWAT officer.
He joined the Warm Springs Police Department after being born in Atlanta and raised in Newnan, where he attended East Coweta High School.
Fisher is survived by his wife, Carly, and their children, Ava and Knox. An obituary described his love of cave exploration, backpacking and spending time with his family.
He is also survived by his parents and relatives, as well as colleagues and friends across the military and law enforcement communities.
“We aren’t going to forget you, Sgt Chris Fisher,” Mr Byrd said. “We won’t forget you, and we want you to know we got your family. We will do everything we can to honour him and his family.”
Funeral services for Fisher are due to be held at Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Tuesday, with arrangements announced by his family and colleagues.
