Roswell announces public services, procession and livestream for Officer Jeremy Labonte

Mayor Kurt Wilson said the city of Roswell will host public services and a procession this week to honor Officer Jeremy Labonte and asked the community to pay respects and support the family.

Wilson, speaking at a city briefing, said the Roswell Police Department, in partnership with the Labonte family, finalized arrangements for visitation and funeral services beginning Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The public visitation is set for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd.; a public funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, also at Roswell United Methodist Church. Wilson said a funeral procession will follow, beginning at about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday and proceeding from Lebanon Baptist Church, 11250 Crabapple Road, to Roswell United Methodist Church.

The announcement matters locally because officials expect large attendance and are coordinating traffic, parking and remote viewing to accommodate mourners. "His sacrifice will never be forgotten," Wilson said, adding the city will provide multiple viewing and parking locations to manage the expected turnout.

Wilson said the church’s main sanctuary holds about 1,500 people and the chapel about 400, and that additional city locations will be open for the public. The city will make parking available at City Hall and at Roswell First Baptist Church, 710 Mimosa Blvd., and Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd., he said. The Roswell Cultural Arts Center, the Roswell City Council Chambers and the Roswell Bill Johnson Community Center in Roswell Area Park will host live-stream viewing of the funeral service.

Wilson named members of the Roswell public safety leadership who have been supporting the family and the department. He said Police Chief Jim Conroy and Deputy Chief Lanae Rivard were not at the briefing because they were providing support to the family and managing logistics; he praised their professionalism and that of other department members. He also referenced Sergeant Sam Wilson as a trainer of the officer and praised the younger members of the force for their response.

Wilson asked that anyone wishing to donate to the family use the official Friends of Roswell Police page at friendsofroswellpolice.org; he said the city website will link to that page. He also said the city will post remote locations and additional details on its Facebook page and at roswellgov.com/funeralservice.

Wilson said the family will hold a private burial service Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. He urged Roswell residents and businesses to expect heavy traffic during the visitation and funeral and said the city will coordinate with downtown and Kent Street businesses on altered traffic patterns.

At one point during the briefing a questioner asked how the family was doing; Wilson said he and city staff had met the family and described the notification and response by public safety officials as heartfelt and professional. "This was a really outstanding young man, and we were gonna miss him dearly," Wilson said.

The briefing provided logistical details for the public remembrance and directed people to official channels for more information and for donations. Wilson closed by asking the community to remember Officer Jeremy Labonte and his family in their thoughts and prayers.