Hall County Sheriff's Office School Resource Office Chris Bachelor, 42, of Maysville, died Wednesday at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after a battle against COVID-19.
According to a social media post from the Sheriff's Office, Bachelor had been battling the illness for most of August, after first experiencing symptoms early in the month.
Deputies have lowered flags to half-staff at all Sheriff's Office facilities in honor of Bachelor. He had served with the sheriff's office for 14 years.
Bachelor leaves behind a wife, an 11-year-old daughter and numerous family members and friends.
“Chris will surely be missed not only by the SRO unit but by numerous students, staff and faculty at (his schools),” North Hall High School SRO Sgt. Jeff Fleming said in a prepared statement. “Chris was a quiet person, but watch out, all of a sudden he would make a comment out of nowhere and have you laughing.”
For the past six years, Bachelor's primary assignment as an SRO was at C.W. Davis Middle School.
“Officer Bachelor was a proud member of our Davis Falcon Family,” Principal Mike McQueen said. “He was a friend, colleague and a brother to us all. There are no words to express the heartbreak and sadness we feel at this time. Chris loved Davis Middle School and our community, and always served both with a smile. I know I speak for all of us at DMS when I say he will be missed beyond measure. His legacy and impact will live on, but it will not truly be measured until eternity.”
Bachelor also served at Flowery Branch and Friendship elementary schools. At those schools, he worked with students who he would see again at C.W. Davis, and then again during his time working events at Flowery Branch High School.
Bachelor was first hired as a jail officer at the Hall County Sheriff's Office in April 2007. He graduated from the police academy in October 2009, becoming a deputy. He later became a member of the HCSO warrants unit in February 2011.
His career path changed in January 2015, when he transitioned into the SRO role for the remainder of his career.
“Chris was loved and respected by all that knew him,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said in a prepared statement. “He touched many lives in a positive manner, and we will miss him greatly.”
The sheriff's office will post updated memorial arrangements on their social media pages once they are finalized.
