UPDATE 8/1 2:57 p.m.: ADDS Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler comment
Fox 5 News and The GRIP report that Jamie Reynolds, a longtime Forest Park Police officer who served briefly as interim chief of police, has been killed by a tree that fell on his Spalding County Sheriff’s Department patrol car.
Reynolds was driving on Georgia Hwy. 16 near Shoal Creek road around 5:30 a.m. Sunday when a pine tree fell on the passenger side of his car, killing him instantly, according to Sheriff Darrell Dix. Reynolds was pronounced dead at the scene by the county medical examiner.
Dix said, “He was a great guy who loved his family, had a deep faith, worked hard and always brought you solutions, not problems.”
Former FPPD detective and now Spalding County Investigator Jes Gasaway went with Dix, Spalding County Manager Steve Ledbetter, and the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office to notify Reynolds’ family.
His coworkers and friends are remembering him on his Facebook page:
“My deepest condolences to all of the family Blood and Blue,” wrote Carl Evans. “Jamie was like a BROTHER to me and my family, as well as to so many others.”
Retired FPPD Col. Tommy Orr wrote, “I got a call this morning that I never imagined in a million years receiving. Jamie Reynolds was my right hand, my little brother that I never had. We been through so much at work and in our personal lives together. A day didn’t go by over last 20+ years that we didn’t talk with the exceptions when I wasn’t able due to hospital stays but he was still right by my side. Jamie love you my brother I know you’ve already made inquiries about working security at those pearly gates. Prayers for Ashley and the family. Tell ’em you love them we are not guaranteed another day. Jamie was a planner fo rhis future and he prayed and I know where he is today because of that.”
Melissa Sanchez added, “I’m speechless. I met Jamie Reynolds about 15 years ago while he was working at Forest Park Police Department. Jamie was always smiling, always positive, you could even hear his smile over the phone. He truly was the epitome of someone you could tell loved the job, his family and God. Praying for both of his families comfort. God speed my friend…you will be truly missed, until we meet again.”
Former FPPD Interim Chief Jason Armstrong, who left Forest Park to become police chief in Ferguson, MO and is now chief in Apex, N.C., wrote, “Praying for my Forest Park family today. I worked with Jamie Reynolds for the first 17 years of my career. This is a tragic loss. #RIPJamie”
Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler issued this statement: “The City of Forest Park is saddened to hear about the unfortunate passing of Deputy Jamie Reynolds with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. For more than 20 years, Jamie served as an officer with the Forest Park Police Department. He was extremely passionate about law enforcement and always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire Spalding County community during this difficult time.”
Reynolds, who joined FPPD in 1995 and served there for more than 25 years, made lieutenant in 2001, and was transferred to the administrative department as a major. During his service, Reynolds earned an associate’s degree cum laude from Georgia Military College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University. In 2016, he completed the Southern Police Institute’s 136th Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville:
In 2018, Reynolds was appointed interim police chief of Forest Park. He retired from FPPD in 2020. The following year, Reynolds joined the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff, assigned to fugitive apprehension and court services. Most recently, Reynolds had been working in Spalding County’s Office of Professional Standards on state certification, national accreditation, and grantwriting, was a tactical flight officer, and had been picking up weekend shifts at the Coweta County Jail. He also worked at On Target Gun Club in Peachtree City.
Reynolds is survived by his wife Ashlee and daughter Kayla. He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Lynn Reynolds.
Dix said in a press release, “This morning, we have been contacted by Gov. Brian Kemp, GSP Colonel Chris Wright, Representative Karen Mathiak, peer counselors from the GBI and GSP, and so many others, all offering thoughts, prayers, and assistance to Jamie’s family as they deal with this tragic loss. Every prayer, call, text, and post is appreciated. We ask that you keep Jamie’s family and his extended Spalding County Sheriff’s Office family in your prayers in the coming days as well.”
Arrangements were pending as of press time.
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