Thursday March 28th, 2024 4:52AM

Funeral services set for Wednesday for former Gainesville police chief

By AccessWDUN Staff

Retired Gainesville Police Chief Jerry Harrison Forrester died Monday at the age of 72 following an extended illness. 

Forrester, who began his career in law enforcement on January 26, 1968, retired from the Gainesville Police Department in August 1991. Forrester served as a captain and then as chief for the department. He also attended the FBI Academy.

Forrester, who served as a combat engineer in the U.S Marine Corps, spent 13 months of his service in Vietnam. 

“Chief Forrester was a distinguished leader, not only for Gainesville but for our great nation. He left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten," said Gainesville Police Chief Carol Martin.

In an email to her officers and staff, Martin pointed out that Forrester was responsible for making sure Gainesville officers were outfitted with proper equipments for their jobs.

"Prior to Chief Forrester, officers were required to purchase their own firearm, ammo and bullet resistant vests.  Among increasing pay and manpower, Chief Forrester was able to convince city leaders to furnish those items instead of requiring the officers to do so," Martin wrote in her email. 

Funeral services for Jerry Forrester are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The Gainesville Police Department and the Hall County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard will be assisting with funeral details, according to Martin. 

A full obituary for Forrester can be found at this link

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News, Death / Obits News
  • Associated Tags: police chief, Gainesville Police Department , Jerry Forrester
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