Devotion to duty and family defined Hearne
Flags went to half-staff at the end of last week as the entire community mourned the loss of a hero who died doing a job she loved.
The community will be laying Polk County Police Department detective Kristen Hearne to rest this afternoon at Victory Baptist Church, where those who knew and love her are set to gather to celebrate her life.
Hearne, a five-year veteran of the department, was motivated by making the world a better place for her son Issac, her husband, Lt. Matt Hearne of the Aragon Police Department, said.
“I believe she died doing what she loved to do, and she was trying to make the world a better place for our son,” Hearne said.
He added that his wife would have appreciated the outpouring of support that the family has received following her tragic death on Friday morning.
“She loved her community, and loved being a police officer of this community,” he said. “She got up every morning and did the job with pride.”
Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd spoke for his department when he said that Hearne was the kind of person who “lit up the any room that she entered.”
The department was in mourning over the weekend but officers from around the area stepped in to help.
On Friday night as well wishers went onto social media with an outpouring of memorials, the pre-game rituals at the Cedartown High School football game included remembrances for Hearne.
The stadium held a moment of silence and taps played to celebrate Hearne’s life, along with a tribute from the team who carried out an American flag styled in gray and blue to honor fallen law enforcement officers.
Hearne was born in Rome in November 1987 to Patricia and Ron Brewer. She is also survived by four brothers: Joseph Montgomery, Patrick Snead, Michael Snead and Matt Brewer.
The 29-year-old detective began her law enforcement career as a deputy with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office in 2008, and later
joined the Polk County Police Department first as a patrol officer in 2012. She was promoted to detective in 2013.
“She was a very devoted mother to our son,” Hearne’s husband Matt said. “She died a hero.”
Funeral services are being held at Victory Baptist Church, 15 Hendrix Road, today at 2 p.m. Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome and Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd are officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery with Rev. Doyle Kelley officiating.
The Floyd County Law Enforcement Honor Guard will be serving as pallbearers. Members of the Polk County Police Department and any and all other law enforcement officials will serve as honorary pallbearers.
‘She was a very devoted mother to our son. She died a hero.’ Matt Hearne husband of Kristen Hearne
Schools will let out early in the Cedartown area to ensure that there is no issue with the funeral procession this afternoon.
Elementary school students in the Cedartown area will be released at 1:45 p.m., followed by Cedartown Middle School at 2 p.m. and Cedartown High School at 2:15 p.m.
Hearne’s body was escorted back into town on Friday night by local law enforcement officials, and Litesey Funeral Home is providing arrangements.