Carroll County deputy fire chief dies from COVID-19 complications

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. - The Carroll County Fire Department is mourning the death of its beloved deputy fire chief from the coronavirus.

Deputy Chief Tommy Hopson had been in a coma following complications from COVID-19.

Monday, the Temple Police Department announced on Facebook that the longtime resident of the city's "battle with Covid has come to an end and our Lord God has called him home."

Hopson had worked at the Carroll County Fire Department for 31 years.

Many knew him as "Chief Hop". His heroics included saving a mother and child from drowning in floodwaters in 2009.

Flags in Carroll County were lowed to half-staff on Monday.

It was a solemn procession that left Tanny Medical Center in Carrollton late Sunday night at around midnight.

Firefighters have been holding a vigil outside the intensive care unit at Tanner Medical Center every night since he was hospitalized.

County Chairman Michelle Morgan in a statement said "…in recent days I have heard many stories of how he has touched so many lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and all those mourning his devastating loss…"

Carroll County Fire Chief Tim Padgett said his loss will be felt for a long time to come because he was an integral part of the day-to-day operations. And he asked the Carroll County community to continue to pray for Chief Hopson’s family in the days to come, 

A fund has been set up to help Tommy Hopson’s family. Donations can be made at any branch of United Community Bank.

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