On the first day leading the Academy of Police, Dekalb County Police Sgt. Tre Jones recognized that David Rose had made a choice that typically takes weeks to finalize.
What surprised him, however, was Rose’s agility on the basketball court. It wasn’t long before he witnessed those same moves in a courtroom setting, with Rose’s family cheering him on from the stands.
Just weeks after Rose was tragically killed in a shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, his colleagues in law enforcement honored him during a memorial service at a church north of the city.
Jones remembered Rose fondly, stating, “He was the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of training. From day one until graduation, his commitment and attitude were always steadfast.”
The church was filled with hundreds of law enforcement personnel from Dekalb and neighboring areas, along with CDC employees and local officials, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. During the emotional gathering, Rose’s young daughter, wearing a blue bow, leaned on her mother with a shirt that proclaimed, “My dad is my hero.”
In a violent episode, Patrick Joseph White fired over 180 rounds at the CDC, reportedly aiming to make a statement about a vaccine.
This incident highlights the risks public health leaders face, especially with the rise of anti-vaccine sentiments that have proliferated since the pandemic. Such negative narratives have been fueled by misleading claims about vaccine safety.
Rose, who was only 33 and a former U.S. Marine, was shot while responding to the chaotic scene. He had graduated from the Police Academy just a few months prior.
During the service, memories were shared, revealing Rose’s life through family photos, showcasing his journey from childhood to his time as a police officer.
Jones recalled, with a touch of humor, Rose’s love for three things: food, his motorcycle, and his family, which always brought a big smile to his face.
Another colleague, Talia Cruz, reminisced about a time when Rose enjoyed playing loud music in the van, recalling how he would always push others to elevate their game.
“Off the field, he was humble, quiet, and wore a permanent smile,” said Cruz. “He consistently put others’ needs before his own and was always someone you could turn to for advice.”
When not with his family, Cruz often found Rose content, riding his bike along open roads.
Interim Police Chief Gregory Padric quoted Rose during his graduation, emphasizing the courage of officers who confront danger: “I wanted to serve. We aimed to be bigger than ourselves.”
