Memorial service held for DeKalb County police officer killed in CDC shooting

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The DeKalb County police officer killed during a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Atlanta headquarters was honored on Friday.

Officer David Rose’s memorial service was held at First Baptist Church Atlanta, located in Dunwoody at 4400 North Peachtree Road.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, local officials, representatives from the CDC, and members of the public crowded into the megachurch.

Gov. Brian Kemp and the first lady were also in attendance, as well as CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez.

>> WATCH MEMORIAL SERVICE:

Rose, 33, was shot and killed on Aug. 8 as a shooter opened fire on the CDC from Emory Point, a mixed-use development across the street. He previously served as a Marine and graduated from the DeKalb County Police Academy in September 2024.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘It was an attack on all of us’: CDC director surveys shooting damage with more staff cuts looming

“It’s about protecting the vulnerable and standing for justice and being the person who runs towards danger when others run away,” he said during his graduation speech.

Rose leaves behind two children and a wife, who is pregnant with a third. An online fundraiser has collected more than $565,000 for the family as of Friday morning.

A second fundraiser was started to help his first daughter, Alayna, who received an honorary American flag during the service on Friday.

“My daddy is a hero,” said Alayna, reading what her shirt said.

MORE COVERAGE:

Funeral for DeKalb officer killed in CDC shooting set for Friday; what to know if you’re attending

‘I’m gonna shoot up the CDC’ | Patrick Joseph White’s father details his family’s horrors

Atlanta’s Finest 5K honors fallen DeKalb officer, supports his family

DeKalb County officer killed in shooting near Emory University was a Marine, beloved family man

Fallen DeKalb County officer talked about calling to serve in graduation speech