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Georgia House mourns Coweta County fire battalion chief killed helping stranded motorist
Summary
Members of the Georgia House paused afternoon business to recognize and pray for Coweta County Fire Battalion Chief Bert Cawthon, who was killed while assisting a stranded motorist. Delegates described him as a servant leader and announced funeral arrangements.
The Georgia House of Representatives paused its afternoon orders to recognize and offer condolences for Coweta County Fire Battalion Chief Bert Cawthon, who was killed last Sunday while attempting to help a stranded motorist.
Representative Lynn Smith (Coweta County) introduced the recognition and described the incident: with no cell service in the area, Cawthon and the motorist walked to a nearby residence seeking help; the homeowner opened fire, fatally wounding Cawthon and wounding the other man. Smith said the funeral procession begins at 1 p.m., with the service to follow.
Multiple members who knew Cawthon described him as a “servant leader” and said he frequently mentored younger firefighters. A speaker who worked with him said he was not on duty the night he died and was acting as a Good Samaritan. House members observed a moment of silence and offered prayers for Cawthon’s family, coworkers and the Coweta County community.
Representative Smith asked the chamber to lift up the family and local first responders in the coming days and noted arrangements for a funeral procession and service.
