Sgt. David Land, a 32-year-old six-year veteran of the department, died in a traffic accident on Buford Highway (Georgia Highway 20) when his police motorcycle wrecked as he was answering a call, according to sheriff's office spokesman Frank Huggins.
"David Land was a model officer and a friend of everyone with whom he worked," said Sheriff Ted Paxton. "He was truly a unique individual and a credit to our community. His death will leave a huge void in this agency and our community that may never be filled."
Sgt. Land's wife, Paula, is also employed by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office as a sergeant in the Uniform Patrol Division. In addition to his wife, his survivors include a six-year-old daughter, Taylor.
Land is the first Forsyth County sheriff's officer to die in the line of duty since January 1972 when Deputy Bill Cantrell and Reserve Officer Larry Mulkey were shot to death.
Visitation for Land will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 Thursday evening at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/3/181445