Holly MatkinDanielsville, GA – Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod died in the line of duty on Sept. 3, when he was hit by a drunk driver while he was out jogging.
The DNR said that the 49-year-old captain was participating his department’s physical training at the time, WMAZ reported.
The fatal collision occurred as Capt. Elrod was running along Hunt Road at approximately 7:40 p.m., according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Investigators said the driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt was traveling northbound on the same roadway, and slammed into Capt. Elrod as he was running on the shoulder, WMAZ reported.
The driver was later identified as 31-year-old Arvil Hamons.
Capt. Elrod died of his injuries at the scene.
Hamons has since been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree vehicular homicide, having a firearm during a criminal offense, possession of a controlled substance, drunk driving, and failing to maintain a lane, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division announced the 28-year department veteran’s death on Friday.
“He was a committed officer and supervisor, having risen to the position of region supervisor over our Region 2 office in Gainesville, GA,” the DNR said in a statement to WMAZ.
Capt. Elrod was named Game Warden of the year in 1999, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He was also president of The Outdoor Dream Foundation’s Georgia chapter, which is an organization that sponsors fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities for children dealing with terminal illnesses, DNR Captain Mike England told the Athens Banner-Herald.
DNR said the captain will be “remembered for his selfless service and complete devotion to the safety of his fellow officers, fellow Georgians, and his state’s natural resources,” WMAZ reported.
“We are beyond grateful to have worked with and known Captain Elrod, as he truly made us all better through his example,” DNR said. “The hearts of the 1,800 members of the DNR family go out to the Elrod family during this time of great sorrow.”
Capt. Elrod leaves behind his wife and two sons.
He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, WDUN reported.
.@GaDNRLE Capt. Stan Elrod was a proud husband, father & public servant who worked tirelessly to positively impact people’s lives. His death is devastating for his family, colleagues & Georgia. Please join Marty, the girls & I in praying for his loved ones as they mourn. pic.twitter.com/Ub0MA65aw0
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 4, 2020
Always remember: Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia #RIP #Prayers https://t.co/LXS72wleDw pic.twitter.com/edoyn5SlEh
— NPS Cheatham V (@nickcheatham1) September 7, 2020
RIP Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, https://t.co/jmU6sI23Wr pic.twitter.com/hajdv7LbbA
— NLEOMF (@NLEOMF) September 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Georgia Department of Natural Resources Captain Stanley Curtis Elrod, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
