3 first responders who died on duty added to Macon’s peace officer memorial

Members of local law enforcement, public safety officials, reverends and the public gathered in downtown Macon Friday morning for National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor those who died in the line of duty.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Macon-Bibb Fire Department, and other first responders stood at attention while their names were read, a bell was rung, and 37 white roses were placed at the foot of three permanent monuments, representing those who died. An American flag was set at half-staff during the ceremony, which was held at Public Safety Memorial Park at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Second Street.

Three new names were unveiled on the monuments: Samuel Bentley Arnold from the Macon Police Department who died in 1927, W. B. Norton from the Macon-Bibb Fire Department who died in 1926, and James Walter Johnson from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office who died in 1908.

“The roses that we place signify strength, respect, devotion, and love. We will never forget,” C. Warren Selby Jr. of the Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation said.

A light drizzle fell almost simultaneously as the final name, Johnson, was read. Sheriff David Davis recalled how Johnson died while on a prisoner work detail on Hartley Bridge, then called Houston Road.

“The shotgun he was carrying became lodged in the spokes of the wagon they were traveling in. Shotgun went off mortally wounding Deputy Johnson,” Davis said. “End of watch: June 16, 1908.”

Davis invited families to the podium before closing remarks. The crowd bowed their heads in a somber silence.

“Let us pray … that we may remember those who paid the ultimate price by giving their lives. We could never be grateful enough for the sacrifices they made,” Rev. Len Woodard said, and attendees responded “Amen.”

For survivor and retired Fire Prevention Chief Larry Smallwood, who worked in the field for over 40 years, he was never scared of the risks that come with firefighting.

“There was probably no traffic lights when I worked on those old (fire) trucks,” the 75-year-old said. “They got these trucks now that are much safer, but your team protects you.”

Smallwood recalled when Macon-Bibb firefighter Julius Peavy, whose name is listed on the monument, died in 1960 on Georgia Avenue. He wore a helmet without a chin strap.

“The ladder hit the chimney, and the bricks slid down and began to fall,” Smallwood told The Telegraph. “Peavy was out there taking a break and got hit on the back of his helmet. These guys really do it for people like you, the community.”