Roswell Police Officer Jeremy Labonte, who was fatally shot in a confrontation in a parking lot Friday night, was honored in 2023 for saving the life of a man who had suffered a massive heart attack in his home.
Another officer also was awarded a lifesaving medal for helping to resuscitate the patient before paramedics arrived.
People arriving to pay their respects at a memorial patrol car outside the Roswell Police Department on Monday told Channel 2’s Tom Regan that the officer’s sudden and violent death is heartbreaking.
“The thought of what he walked into shakes me to my core. My wife and I were watching the news, and I just started crying. It’s very sad, I’m almost speechless,” said Doug Bible, who lives in Roswell.
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Labonte, who was born in Austell, graduated from Georgia State University and began his career in law enforcement with Roswell police in 2021.
He was a husband and a son. Many say though young, he was a role model and dedicated to serving and protecting the public.
“I don’t want to get choked up, but the police officer put their lives on the line to protect us. This was so senseless. I have a good friend who works with police officers, and it’s just crushed everybody,” Jill Alexander said.
Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Espinosa and charged him with the officer’s murder. He waived a first court appearance on Monday and was denied bond.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, a public visitation will be held for Labonte at the Roswell United Methodist Church on Mimosa Boulevard in Roswell.
A funeral service will take place at the church at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
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