Dates: January 7, 1980 – September 8, 2022
The Tragedy:
Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Koleski and Deputy Sheriff Marshall Ervin met a tragic end while executing a felony theft warrant on September 8, 2022.
As they were in the process of apprehending a wanted individual, another person within the residence brandished a firearm, confronting them. Both deputies issued clear commands for the armed individual to disarm before an exchange of gunfire ensued. Tragically, both deputies sustained fatal injuries in the exchange. The wanted suspect and the assailant subsequently barricaded themselves inside the residence, but law enforcement successfully apprehended them later that evening.
Deputy Sheriff Koleski, a veteran of the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard, had faithfully served with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife, mother, two sisters, and two brothers.
More info:
wsbtv : Two Cobb County deputies killed in line of duty
The Service:
Deputy Sheriff Koleski was honored at NorthStar Church and then laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery. Over a thousand law enforcement, family, friends, and community members gathered to remember the sacrifice Koleski made.
One of Koleski’s sisters spoke during the service, “His smile was bright, his laugh was contagious, and his jokes were almost 90% of the time inappropriate.”
A friend and coworker of Koleski spoke of how Jon went above and beyond, “Jon wanted to make a difference in lives, he wanted to train the new generation of deputies and give them the best of himself to make them better.”
“Jonathan, the entire sheriff’s office salutes you and thanks you for your service not only for us but for the whole nation,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens.
Koleski’s wife received a medallion from the sheriff’s office as a promise that they would always be there for her. The service concluded with the songs, “Amazing Grace” and “Hero” being played.
More info:
fox5atlanta : Community gathers for funeral service
11alive : Family, friends and community remember fallen deputy
The Justice:
The two suspects were identified as Christopher Golden and Christopher Cook. The two deputies were looking for Cook as he had prior charges for felony theft and he still faces these charges. Golden has been charged with three counts of felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault of a police officer.
In December of 2022 Christopher Golden pled guilty to the murder of both Deputy Koleski and Deputy Ervin. Golden has been sentenced to life sentences in prison plus 55 years, all without the chance for parole.
More info:
11alive : Man pleads guilty to killing two Cobb deputies
11alive : Jail and court records identify suspects
Delivery:
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