DeKalb police officer killed in CDC shooting honored at memorial for fallen officers – Atlanta News First

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — It’s been nine months since DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was killed in the line of duty at the CDC. On Wednesday morning, he was honored at the DeKalb County Fallen Officers Memorial.
His mother, Devean Atkinson Burnett, placed a white rose in a wreath during the memorial ceremony in honor of Rose.
“Shaken up, still can’t believe he’s not here anymore. Still can’t believe that he’s gone,” said Burnett.
Burnett told Atlanta News First the grief still catches her off guard.
“There are times I’m just driving in the car and I start crying,” said Burnett.
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The bell tolled for Rose and 45 other members of law enforcement in DeKalb County killed in the line of duty since 1852.
Like Officer Tom Atkisson, who was killed in the line of duty back in 1976. His family was there, including his nephew, who is now a major for the Dekalb County Police Department, and Atkisson’s brother-in-law, William Wallace Jr.
Wallace says even after five decades, their family comes to this memorial every year.
“It does get easier, but you don’t ever get through it,” said Wallace.
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Burnett said seeing the Atkisson family made her smile.
“I was so happy to see that family. They are truly a standing pole to let us know that yes, no matter how long it is, they’re still gonna thank us and still remember,” said Burnett.
Burnett said the support of other officers and their families has meant so much since Rose was killed, and she appreciates the memorial paying tribute to the fallen but not forgotten.
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“It’s an emotional day every day for me. But you know, I get up and smile and know he did what he would do again and again,” said Burnett.
Rose’s name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington D.C. next Wednesday.
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