Community Honors liked in South -fulton police captain, alleged driver who is charged because of his death

South Fulton, Ga. (Atlanta News first) – those who knew Captain Helio Garcia say that he loved to serve South Fulton.

“He always wanted to be in law enforcement agencies since it was a child. He started his career when we were in Georgia,” said Eliana Garcia, his 13 -year -old wife.

On Saturday she spoke about her husband at a vigil outside the department.

“A man who would be through the good and the bad next to them, a man who always came home, a man who was always there for his children,” said Garcia.

The police said Garcia was beaten by Santoria McLean when he drove on duty in April. They believe that they may have been under influence.

“It's a nightmare. I feel like I feel like a film. My children suffer, I suffer,” said Garcia.

His comrade, lieutenant Charles Cook, who was shot and critically injured in the same week, also appeared to support the family.

The boss remembers Garcia as not only as an officer, but as a community center.

“Police officers polish differently when we have relationships in the community and Helio knew that,” said Chief Keith Meadows, police department at South Fulton.

His wife and three children are now without a husband and father.

“Hug your loved ones before you leave your home because you never know,” said Garcia.

Garcia was posthumously promoted to captain by Leutnant. He has been in the department since it was founded.

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