This past week, our schools honored the victims and heroes taken from us on 9/11. Our grief was compounded as two more heroes, Sheriff’s Deputies who kept our county safe, were senselessly taken from us. 

Across Cobb, first responders put their neighbors' safety and security first, and Cobb Deputies Ervin, and Koleski, made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. 

Words cannot ease the pain their loved ones are feeling right now, and we must say, loudly, with one community voice, how grateful we are for their service. 

Our hearts break with yours, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time. 

Deputy Ervin and Deputy Koleski’s lives, and the way they lived, should serve as an important reminder to each of us that living lives of service is not only worthwhile but noble. For our Team, that service occurs in classrooms across Cobb County each and every day. 

We stand with the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen heroes, and we stand with each other, for our students. 

Sincerely, 

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale 

Neighbors, Friends, and Community Members, 

It is with unspeakable heartache that I come to you today on behalf of all our schools. The death of our two deputy sheriffs has shaken not only our law enforcement agencies in our community but also the very fiber of every neighborhood and every street in Cobb County. Their loss is deeply felt. 

To the families of Deputy Ervin and Deputy Koleski, please know we grieve with you during this time. We honor your husbands and your dad: for their bravery, dedication to their job, and love of our community. Please know that your families are in our hearts and prayers during this time of grief. 

Our law enforcement, no matter which agency they work for, has always provided our community with exceptional safety and security. Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Koleski and Deputy Sheriff Marshall Ervin Jr. served in that same great tradition. 

No words can lessen the pain, nor any action makes their loss ok with our community. But know that our family stands in solidarity not only with all our police officers but especially with the Ervin and Koleski families. 

With deep condolences, 

David Chastain 

Chairman of the Cobb Board of Education