Atlanta, Ga. — A somber gathering is set to take place on Friday as community members come together to bid farewell to Officer David Rose, a DeKalb County police officer tragically killed during a gunfire incident at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Atlanta, located in Dunwoody, beginning at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and will be broadcast online.
Officer Rose, just 33 years old, lost his life on August 8 when shots were fired from a nearby mixed-use development, Emory Point, directed at the CDC. His commitment to service extended beyond law enforcement; he was a dedicated Marine before joining the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024, where he expressed a profound sense of duty during his graduation speech. “It’s about protecting the vulnerable and standing for justice,” he stated, reflecting his unwavering resolve to face danger head-on.
Survived by two children and a pregnant wife anticipating their third child, Rose’s family is receiving significant community support. As of Friday morning, a crowdfunding initiative has generated over $565,000 to assist them in this difficult time. The outpouring of support underscores the impact he made in both his professional and personal life.
For those attending the funeral, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office has released specific guidelines. Free parking will be available at the church, along with designated overflow areas. Attendees are advised to arrive early to accommodate traffic and security screenings, as all guests will need to pass through security checkpoints. Large bags and outside food or drinks will be prohibited within the venue.
Seating in the church will be first-come, first-served, with exceptions made for family members, law enforcement, and elected officials. Uniformed officers are encouraged to don their dress uniforms in honor of their fallen colleague.
The memorial service will conclude with several tributes, including a performance of Taps, a 21-gun salute, a flyover, and a last call ceremony—marking a poignant farewell to a public servant dedicated to his community. As the day unfolds, a community continues to mourn the loss of an officer whose life was taken too soon, while rallying around his family to ensure they are supported in the wake of this tragedy.