ATLANTA, Ga. — A memorial service for DeKalb County police officer David Rose, who was tragically killed during a shooting outside the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is set for Friday. The 33-year-old officer lost his life on August 8 while responding to an active shooter situation.
The funeral will take place at First Baptist Church Atlanta, with the public invited to pay their respects beginning at 11 a.m. Located at 4400 North Peachtree Road in Dunwoody, the church expects a large turnout for the service as the community gathers to honor Rose’s service and sacrifice.
To accommodate attendees, officials announced free parking will be made available at the church, with additional overflow parking on the campus. Security measures will be in place, requiring guests to pass through screening, and large bags and outside food will not be permitted. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and seating will be first-come, first-served, aside from areas designated for family, law enforcement, and public officials. Officers attending the service have been asked to wear their dress uniforms.
Following the service, a series of ceremonial tributes will be held outside the church, including Taps, a 21-gun salute, a flyover, and a last call ceremony. These honors reflect the respect and gratitude of the community for Rose’s dedication to serving as a public servant.
Described as a devoted family man, Rose leaves behind two young children and a wife expecting their third. His commitment to public safety and community service resonated deeply within DeKalb County. The community has rallied to support his family during this difficult time, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $558,000 to assist them.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson expressed her condolences, stating, “Officer Rose dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community.” She encouraged residents to participate in the memorial service to commemorate his legacy and support his family.
As the community prepares to come together in remembrance, the impact of Rose’s sacrifice continues to be felt across the region. The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to honor his memory.