Community gathers for funeral service of Cobb County deputy killed in line of duty
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - The heartbreak hit home in Cobb County on Wednesday as roughly 1,400 family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers gathered at Northstar Church in Kennesaw to honor fallen Cobb County Deputy Jonathan Koleski.
Koleski and Deputy Marshall Samuel Ervin, Jr. were killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted for theft last Thursday night at a home near Marietta.
"That voice I want to hear right now but I can't, and I never will and I'm completely shattered," one of Koleski's sisters said during the service.
She remembered the good and funny moments as the family deals with the magnitude of the loss.
"His smile was bright, his laugh was contagious, and his jokes were almost 90% of the time inappropriate," she said.
The ceremony was painstakingly planned to make sure Deputy Koleski's 15 years of service in Cobb County were honored along with his three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"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," a fellow deputy and friend said.
Just outside the front doors of the church people saluted the deputy's service and the ultimate sacrifice he made protecting this community with some brought to tears.
"Just to see the outpouring of love for somebody that we probably didn't even know that's humanity, I mean that's just who we are," said Karen Greathouse.
The somber ceremony pays tribute to a deputy killed on duty with the message that he may be gone, but he will not ever be forgotten.
"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.
"We will not forget our friend because heroes live forever," the friend said.
Deputy Koleski leaves behind a wife. She was presented with a medallion from the sheriff's office to be reminded that she would never be alone.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has the flags over the Capitol and at all state facilities to be lower to half-staff on Wednesday and Thursday to honor the deputies as the community comes together to honor the fallen deputies.
FUNERALS ANNOUNCED FOR COBB COUNTY DEPUTIES KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY
Deputy Jonathan Koleski - January 7, 1980 to September 8, 2022
Deputy Jonathan Koleski (Cobb County Sheriff's Office)
Jonathan Koleski, 42, a Florida native, had been with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. He first was sworn in as a deputy in 2007.
Koleski was called to serve in the U.S. Army after Sept. 11, 2001. He served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the 101st Airborne Division.
He would later go on to join the Georgia National Guard.
His family says he loved the outdoors, was an avid runner, and could be seen on any given weekend running one of the many 5K runs around metro Atlanta.
His family also described him as an animal lover and an adventurous foodie.
Koleski is being remembered as a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and a friend to many.
Deputy Marshall Ervin, Jr. - May 21, 1984 to September 8, 2022
Deputy Marshall Ervin, Jr. (Cobb County Sheriff's Office)
Marshall Ervin, Jr., 38, has deep roots in Georgia. He graduated from East Paulding High School and would go on to marry his high school sweetheart.
He loved his guitar, fishing and most of all was spending time with his daughters who were his everything.
His family will remember him as a loving husband and father who will truly be missed.
He is survived by his wife, daughters, siblings, and extended family.
Funeral services for Ervin will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday at West Ridge Church in Dallas. Visitation will be just before the services starting at Noon.
A procession is expected either before or after his service, but those details have not been shared.
Both services will be streamed.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE WARNS OF SCAMMERS ASKING FOR DONATIONS FOR FALLEN COBB COUNTY DEPUTIES
How to support deputies' families
The Cobb Sheriff's Foundation is accepting donations to support the deputies' families.
There is a "Donate" button on the homepage of the foundation's website. You can register online and donate any amount of money. Donations are accepted by credit card or offline.
To make an offline donation, write a check payable to "Cobb Sheriff's Foundation, Inc." Mail the check to P.O. Box 1932, Marietta, GA, 30061.