Julie Barrs, 56, of Ellijay, died when floodwaters swept her car away in north Georgia, state officials said. She is the only person reported dead in flooding that hit Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties.
Barrs grew up in Cobb County, graduated from Pebblebrook High School and served with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, according to her obituary. Her family said she became the office’s first female SWAT team member and worked with the U.S. Marshals on human-trafficking matters, earning several awards.
A state of emergency remained in effect for the four-county area. Funeral services for Barrs had not been finalized when the report was published.
Her family said Barrs later moved to Ellijay and enjoyed cooking, hiking, painting and spending time with her dogs. The family is asking for donations to a local humane society or animal shelter.
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
