Police Chief Loses Battle With Cancer

ADAIRSVILLE, GA -- The city of Adairsville is mourning the loss of its police chief. Rick Townsend died during the early morning hours of Thursday, Dec. 7 following a battle with cancer, police spokesperson Capt. Louis Dean said.

"He was a great man, a leader and a friend," he added. "He will be missed. Please keep his family in your prayers."

According to his obituary, visitation for Townsend, 63, of Waleska, will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Lake Arrowhead Church, with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Lafayette City Cemetery.

Townsend began his 42-year career in law enforcement with the FBI. He also served as police chief for the city of Auburn, an investigator with the Georgia Department of Corrections and with the Marietta Police Department.

He was the president of the FBI Regional Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS) for eight years, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Georgia Command College.

"Mr. Townsend loved the law," his obituary adds. "Most of all, he loved his family, especially his wife and kids.

The chief is survived by wife, Susan Townsend of Waleska; son, Joseph (Kelley) Townsend of Kennesaw; daughter, Sarah (Seth) Meador of Atlanta; and mother, Mary Ruth Morris Townsend of Chickamauga.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the In Touch Ministries in his name.

Image via Adairsville Police Department