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Memorial service for Officer David Rose announced
A memorial service for DeKalb County Officer David Rose, who was killed during attack on Aug. 8 on the CDC, has been announced. FOX LOCAL also spoke to Luke's Wings, a nonprofit that provides flights to family of officers, military members and others when they need to be with their loved ones.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - DeKalb County officials will hold a public memorial service this week to honor Officer David Rose, the DeKalb County police officer killed earlier this month while responding to a shooting outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters.
What we know:
The service will take place at 11 a.m. Aug. 22 at First Baptist Church Atlanta, located at 4400 North Peachtree Road in Dunwoody.
"Officer Rose dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community," said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. "We welcome residents to join us on August 22 to honor his service, reflect on his legacy, and stand with his family and our law enforcement community."
The ceremony is open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are encouraged to arrive early for parking and security screening. On-site parking will be available, with staff directing traffic.
Elected officials planning to attend are asked to fill out the Elected Officials Memorial Service Form or contact the Office of the CEO for more information.
FOX 5 Atlanta is planning to livestream the service for those unable to attend.
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The backstory:
Officer David Rose died during an attack on the CDC on Aug. 8.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 30-year-old Joseph Patrick White opened fire on the CDC's headquarters because he believed the COVID-19 vaccine made him ill.
More than 200 bullets hit four buildings on the Royal campus off Briarcliff Road in the North Druid Hills area of DeKalb County.
White killed himself during a confrontation with other police officers, the GBI says. More than 500 shell casings were recovered after the incident.
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Some CDC employees were allowed to return to the campus on Aug. 18. However, the four buildings struck by gunfire will remain closed until the windows can be repaired.
The attack is still under investigation.
Big picture view:
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national student advocacy and violence prevention nonprofit, today announced its profound sorrow and issued a posthumous letter of commendation to Officer David Rose of the DeKalb Police Department.
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"Officer David Rose, 33, will forever be remembered for his extraordinary heroism and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A former United States Marine Corps veteran, Officer Rose served his country with distinction, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and graduated from the police academy in March 2025, quickly earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his unwavering dedication, courage, and professionalism.
On that fateful day, Officer Rose was among the first responders to the active shooter situation near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. The incident unfolded terrifyingly close to the Emory University campus, prompting a shelter-in-place order for students and staff. Reports indicate that Officer Rose bravely confronted the gunman, drawing the shooter's attention and changing the trajectory of the attack, an act that undoubtedly saved countless lives and helped protect the students and faculty in the nearby university community.
Officer Rose was fatally wounded during this courageous act of intervention. As a result of Officer Rose presence and actions that day, The Uvalde Foundation For Kids officially grants this national commendation letter to Officer David Rose for heroism in the line of duty.
Officer Rose leaves behind his beloved wife, two young children, and a third child expected later this year, along with his parents and siblings. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids extends its deepest condolences to his family, the DeKalb Police Department, and the entire law enforcement community.
We grieve alongside the brave men and women who continue to carry on Officer Rose’s example of selfless service and commitment to public safety. His sacrifice underscores the immense risks faced by law enforcement officers every day as they protect our communities.
Officer Rose joins the somber ranks of other brave officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty this year. As of August 2025, over 40 law enforcement professionals nationwide have died in the line of duty, with far too many succumbing to gunfire. Each loss is a profound tragedy that reverberates through families, departments, and communities across the nation. Yet, for the DeKalb community and those Officer Rose left behind, this loss this tragedy is personal and it will forever be remembered, as Officer Rose will forever be remembered from that tragic day forth for his heroism and ultimately his heart. Thank you, Officer Rose. Thank you.."