The funeral for Smyrna police Officer Christopher Ewing will be held Friday morning at Truist Park, according to the funeral home handling arrangements.
The 11 a.m. service will be for immediate family members, uniformed officers and members of the military only, a spokesman for Carmichael Funeral Home said Tuesday. The service will be closed to the public, but will be live-streamed, according to Sgt. Louis Defense with Smyrna police. Plans regarding the live-stream were being finalized Tuesday, he said.
Extraordinary planning has gone into the funeral preparations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Defense said. Social distancing will be in place at the stadium and those attending will be required to wear protective gear, including masks.
“This is the best way we can honor him,” Defense said. “We are being overly cautious.”
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Ewing, 34, died April 20 when his patrol car was struck by a suspected drunk driver. The married father of three was a two-year veteran of the Smyrna police department and also served in the Air Force Reserves.
“He loved his fellow officers and was truly dedicated to helping others,” his online obituary states. “Chris always had a smile and a cheerful word for everyone he met. Dedicated, professional, courteous, and caring are only a few words that describe Chris Ewing.”
Officers from across metro Atlanta are expected to attend the funeral Friday. Dozens of law enforcement agencies participated in a procession late last week to escort the fallen officer to the funeral home. A Go Fund Me page has been created to assist Ewing's family.
The man accused of causing the crash that killed Ewing, Robert Lorenzo Cox, remained Tuesday in the Cobb jail. Cox is being held without bond. Cox, 35, of Duluth, was arrested after the crash and charged with driving under the influence and homicide by vehicle in the first degree, both felonies, in addition to several misdemeanor traffic charges.
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