Officer dies after breaking up school fight: GA officials

A school resource officer suffered a fatal heart attack after breaking up a fight between two high school students, Georgia officials say.

It happened on Tuesday, October 4, when Captain Terry Arnold collapsed while escorting a student involved in a fight through the main entrance of Cook High School, according to a Facebook post from the Cook County Fire and Emergency Management Agency. School paramedics and backup provided treatment until EMS arrived.

Arnold, affectionately known as “Turtle,” was taken to South Georgia Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the report said.

“Captain Arnold loved and was loved by Cook County and the entire South Georgia community,” officials said.

After 26 years with the sheriff’s office, Arnold “served in all aspects of the office,” according to the release. At the time of his death, he was employed as a supervisor and director of school resources for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and School District. He previously served on the Adel Township and Remerton Township Police Departments.

Arnold was remembered for his love of grilling and friendship, according to Facebook posts.

“Terry was one of those friends you can call day and night and he will come to you in your time of need,” one person wrote.

“If you knew the man at all, you had a friend for life“, another message says. “I’ve never known anyone with as big a heart as this guy. He knew everyone and treated everyone equally. There is much to learn from the legacy he left in Cook County.”

“If we all lived and led our lives like this man, our community and the world would be a much better place and brighter. Captain Terry Arnold shared his heart and love for his neighbor like no other,” a third friend shared.

Officials say Arnold is survived by a son, four daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Cook County is approximately 80 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida.