Coweta County battalion fire chief's body escorted home, funeral announced

BART CAUTHEN (Courtesy of Coweta County Fire Department)
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Coweta County Fire Rescue battalion chief who was shot and killed on Jan. 19 while helping a driver in Alabama who had struck a deer.
The backstory:
On the day of the shooting, 54-year-old James "Bart" Bartholomew Cauthen had just finished spreading hay for cattle on a property that he either owned or maintained in Chamber County, Alabama, when he noticed a vehicle that had struck a deer.
ORIGINAL STORY: Coweta battalion fire chief killed after stopping to help stranger in Alabama
He stopped to help the driver and the driver’s wife. According to Chambers County Chief Deputy Mike Parrish, they were unable to call for help due to poor cell service in the area, so they decided to walk to a nearby home to ask for assistance, according to WRBL.
As they approached the home, Franklin opened fire, striking both men. The driver, who was also armed, returned fire, striking Franklin.
Cauthen died at the scene. The driver and Franklin are recovering. The driver’s wife, who never left the car, was not injured.
What we don't know:
It is believed that Franklin has been released from the hospital and is currently being held in a jail in Georgia. FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out for additional information about his status.
What they're saying:
Cauthen had been with the fire department for 24 years at the time of his death, according to the department.
"We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentors, and family to a senseless tragedy," the department wrote on Facebook.

CREDIT: Coweta County Fire Rescue
Local perspective:
On Thursday, the fire department brought Cauthen’s body home from Alabama. Members of the community lined the roads and stood on overpasses to pay their respects as the fire department passed by on their way to McKoon Funeral Home.
What's next:
A visitation for Cauthen will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Unity Baptist Church, and his funeral will follow at 2 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the church. The church is located at 311 Smokey Road in Newnan.
Rather than flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations to White Oak First Baptist Church, 2078 GA Hwy 34, Newnan, GA 30265.