Deputy J. David McIlwraith

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Douglasville, GA

Date of Death: May 10, 2011

Age: 44
Years of Service: 25
Duty Status: Active
Military Veteran: No

David devoted 21 years of his career to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as Special Agent and Coordinator for the State Drug Task Force. During his time with the Bureau, he was assigned to various details including the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta and flew with the US Army on the Governor’s Task Force for Marijuana Suppression. David was an active member of the Georgia Narcotics Officers Association. He spent the last few years of his career with the GBI detached to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit while working with The Department of Homeland Security.

Throughout his career, David received numerous letters of commendation and bravery, as well as letters from local law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Georgia, for his work in the fight against drugs on the streets of Georgia. David received a letter of appreciation for bravery for his role in providing cover fire while evacuating the injured, which included the local Sheriff, during a standoff which involved gunfire. This is one of many events during his long career contributed to job related post-traumatic stress. David retired from the Bureau spending the last 2 years of his life working for the Douglas county sheriff’s department.

Since his death, his wife Wendy has been a strong advocate for suicide prevention in law enforcement.