FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Friends, family and colleagues are remembering a Fulton County Police detective killed in the line of duty early Wednesday.
Terence Avery Green, 48, died after being shot in the head while responding to a call in a subdivision near Fairburn. Neighbors said the suspect was going door to door firing a long barrel gun before he began shooting at officers.
A bullet hit Green in the back of the head. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 4:30 a.m.
"It was extremely hard…This is a call that a chief always dreads," said Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones. "
Jones said Green was a 22-year veteran of the department.
"Some officers have more friendly mannerisms than others, and he was one of those officers that was extremely friendly," Jones said. "You could call him Officer Friendly. He was just that type of guy."
Gary Davis knew Terence Green as a friend and a fraternity brother in Kappa Alpha Psi.
"I'm not one to water plants when they die, but he was one of the most genuine men I've met in my life," Davis said.
Davis remembered Green as a great mentor for several years at the Next Level Boys Academy in Union City.
"He always shared with the young men to make right decisions, to make great decisions, respect your parents," Davis said. "When he'd come by, he wasn't just stopping by -- he would always impart something positive into the young men.
Officer Green was also devoted to his church, Woods Memorial Baptist, where he helped with traffic on Sunday mornings. Deacon Charlie Rosser said Green would stop by almost every day, including Tuesday.
"We're going to miss him," Rosser said.
Green's Facebook page is filled with words of love and remembrance, including one from his son Marquez:
Rest in peace Dad. I love you much. I'm trying to keep my head up but it's hard when my best friend and father is gone. It was great talking to you last night. Miss you already
According to the Fulton County Police Department's website, Green was its first officer killed in the line of duty since April 2003, and the fourth officer killed since the department was formed on July 1, 1975.
Green is survived by his parents, Mr. Johnny Green and Mrs. Bartha Green; an older brother William; and four sons: Marquez, Isiah, Emmanuel, and Samuel.
Residents will remember Detective Green by turning on blue porch lights Wednesday night. Share your pictures with us below or tweet them using #LightsOn
