In a tragic incident that unfolded in Chambers County, Alabama, a fire battalion chief was shot dead while assisting a couple whose vehicle had collided with a deer. According to local authorities, the incident also resulted in injuries to the driver of the car involved.
The Coweta County fire department is grieving the loss of James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, commemorating him as a dedicated and compassionate individual who devoted over 24 years to his profession. A heartfelt message shared on Facebook reflects the department’s sentiments about Cauthen, highlighting his tireless efforts and gentle nature.
The unfortunate event occurred on a Sunday afternoon near the Georgia-Alabama border. As detailed by the sheriff’s department, Cauthen, who served as the battalion chief for Coweta County Fire Rescue in Georgia, approached the couple to offer assistance after the car accident. Due to their inability to get a cell signal, Cauthen accompanied the driver to a nearby residence in search of help, as noted by Chambers County Sheriff Department Chief Deputy Mike Parrish.
Legal documents reveal that Franklin was apprehended later on Monday, being charged as a fugitive from justice in Alabama. He is currently being held at the Muscogee County Jail, facing a murder warrant issued by authorities in Alabama. As of Tuesday afternoon, no representation had been listed for Franklin.
Firefighter Cody Darracott expressed the profound sense of loss felt within the Coweta County fire department, describing Cauthen on Facebook as the embodiment of a Godly, selfless, and hardworking individual. The tragic shooting has left an unsettling void in the hearts of those who knew and worked alongside him.
