PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — The Paulding County Sheriff's Office is grieving the loss of one of its deputies.
Deputy Allen Rakestraw, 43, passed away unexpectedly at his home last Thursday after suffering a medical emergency, according to a release from the sheriff's office.
Rakestraw had been with the sheriff's office for nearly 14 years.
"Deputy Rakestraw was an 8th generation Paulding County resident and always dreamed of becoming a Deputy Sheriff in Paulding County," the sheriff's office wrote.
In September 2012, Rakestraw began his career as a jailer at the sheriff's office. Then, he became a deputy sheriff in June 2023 after graduating from basic mandate training at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy.
Rakestraw worked in the sheriff's office Uniform Patrol Division, "where he lived out his dream by helping keep our county safe," the sheriff's office added.
Deputy Rakestraw also helped with the sheriff's office communications.
"At the time of his passing, Deputy Rakestraw still oversaw radios and cell phones for the Sheriff’s Office," the sheriff's office said.
Rakestraw's funeral arrangements are listed below. A visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb 27, and his funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
- Visitation: New Season Church
Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
4457 Atlanta Highway
Hiram, Georgia, 30141 - Service: New Season Church Wednesday
Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.
3566 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway
Hiram, Georgia, 30141 - Interment: Paulding Memorial Gardens following the service
"I am heartbroken by the loss of Allen. He was more than a Deputy; he was my friend. Allen was one of the driving forces behind my original campaign for Sheriff. Without his help, I don’t know if I would be our Sheriff today. I am forever indebted to Allen for his service to myself and our community," Sheriff Gary Gulledge said.
