It is with great sadness that we learned of the untimely death of Detective Kristen Hearne this past Friday September 29th in Polk county, Georgia while she was responding as back up to a call. In August, myself and Animal control officer Dustin Dutton worked alongside Detective Hearne in a large, felony animal cruelty case. Kristen demonstrated great professionalism and dedication to the investigation and in preparation for our court case, while also adding a unique sense of humor in the process. Her willingness to put her life in harms way to serve the citizens of our neighboring county is a true embodiment of the very nature of a public servant. I, Officer Dustin Dutton, my family, along with the entire Cherokee County Coroner’s Office Staff express our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to her family.

Our first responders respond to calls just like Detective Hearne did this past Friday. We encourage the citizens in Cherokee County to take time and thank all of the first responders for putting their life on the line every time the call goes out. October 28, 2017 is the nation’s first responder day; I encourage your family to think of ways to honor these brave men and women in our county.

~ Dr. Jeremy Deaton