On Friday, friends, family, and colleagues will come together to bid farewell to Spalding County Deputy Marc McIntyre, who was tragically shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute just days after Christmas. The visitation services for McIntyre will commence at 10:30 a.m. at Griffin First Assembly of God, followed by the service at 1 p.m. at the same location on West McIntosh Road in Griffin. Prior to that, a gathering of law enforcement is planned at 10 a.m. at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the processional, which will depart at 11 a.m. The services will be streamed live by 11Alive.
The fatal incident occurred on the fateful day of December 29, when McIntyre and another deputy responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic incident at a residence in Griffin. As they approached the scene, a 57-year-old military veteran named Todd Harper opened fire at them from a window with a shotgun. Tragically, McIntyre sustained a critical head injury and succumbed to his wounds, while the second deputy suffered a broken hand.
Authorities revealed that Harper’s wife had made the distress call after he had threatened her, which ultimately led to the fatal confrontation. Notably, law enforcement had previously been called to Harper’s house on several occasions, including a prior incident in January 2021 where he barricaded himself without firing any shots. It was acknowledged that Harper had a history of mental health struggles.
McIntyre began his journey with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer in 2015. Two years later, he took the oath as a uniformed patrol deputy and continued to serve his community with dedication and commitment until his untimely death. His profound impact on those around him was evident as dozens of mourners attended a vigil held in his honor, demonstrating the deep respect and admiration they had for him.
Spalding County Sheriff Daryl Dix spoke at the vigil, urging people not to remember Sgt. McIntyre for the manner of his death but rather for the way he lived his life. His loss has left a profound void in the hearts of his fellow law enforcement officers, who consider themselves his brothers in blue.
In response to the tragedy, local businesses have come together to support McIntyre’s grieving family during this trying time. The community has shown an outpouring of love and support, demonstrating the unity and strength that can arise when faced with such heart-wrenching circumstances.
As the community gathers to pay their respects and bid a heartfelt farewell to Sgt. Marc McIntyre, his memory will forever remain a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication in the face of danger. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on as a symbol of service and bravery.
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