In Memory of Detective Rodney L. Davis, Sr.
On Friday, August 20, 2021, the Waycross Police Department, Georgia, announced to residents that one of their senior detectives had died due to the COVID19 pandemic. Sixteen-year veteran Detective Rodney L. Davis, Sr., badge 0337, died due to complications of the virus. Most likely, he contracted the virus while on duty. Detective Davis was 54 years old.
Federal mandates were made to help protect the families of law enforcement during this pandemic. Active-duty officers who contract the virus and lives lost are awarded line-of-duty death benefits so that their families have extra support. In addition, many departments work together to ensure that the families of these officers will have the help they need.
Detective Davis served his community as a sworn law enforcement officer with the Waycross Police Department. He had served this department for over sixteen years. Before coming to the Waycross department, Davis served part-time with the Coastal Pines Technical College Police Department.
Waycross Police Department, Georgia
Davis had chosen to serve the department in Waycross, Georgia. The Waycross Police Department is a fully accredited law enforcement agency that provides services to Waycross’s more than 16000 residents. The agency is working hard to bring the community in, drawing in residents with a multitude of fun and family-friendly programs.
The city was founded in 1874 and hired its first police officer in 1884. Today, the department has more than 50 sworn officers. It has patrol divisions, investigations, and SWAT. One of the mottos that the Waycross Police Department incorporates into their image is: “We are committed and dedicated to exceeding the needs of our community.”
Remembrances
Detective Rodney L. Davis, Sr., leaves behind his mother, three daughters, three sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. It will take the support of the entire community and the love of each other to help the Davis children and grandchildren reach their potential futures. Entire communities need to begin programs to embrace the many children left without family leaders and help them achieve their dreams.
Area law enforcement, honor guards, and residents will gather together in celebration and honor to share gratitude with the Davis family for the sacrifice made on their behalf.
Waycross Police Department announced the loss to residents on its Facebook page. “Today, we lost a true blessing to anyone who ever met him. Please pray for the loved ones of Detective Rodney Davis. Rodney, you will definitely be missed and will always be loved. John 11:25: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Chris Tatum, a resident, shared in the loss of Detective Davis. “This community has lost a great and humble servant. Prayer for both his family and the brothers and sisters in blue. R.I.P. Rodney Davis. You will be missed.”
Bobby Boatright, a friend, coworker, and resident in the area, shared his condolences with the Davis family and the Waycross Police Department. “My condolences to his family and work family! I was blessed to have worked with him. He would always be smiling and making you laugh, and that’s not easy when working in corrections. A great guy! Rest in peace, my friend.”
