‘Great representation of the badge’ | What we know about slain Warm Springs police officer
Chris Fisher had previously arrested Jimmy Steverson, now dead after a large manhunt.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A young Warm Springs police officer remembered for being a “great representation of the badge” was killed Wednesday morning.
Chris Fisher joined the city’s small police department in May 2026 and was promoted two months later, according to records, which also showed he had worked for the Meriwether County, Fayette County and Heard County sheriff’s offices.
The search for 23-year-old suspect Jimmy Steverson ended in South Carolina hours after the shooting in Warm Springs. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Steverson was injured from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he was arrested. He was later taken to a hospital and died from his injuries.
The shooting incident happened at around midnight on Wednesday. Dozens of deputies, local officers and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents converged on the Meriwether Country Inn.
RELATED: Suspect in Warm Springs officer’s shooting death dies after manhunt
The GBI said Fisher was in his patrol car when a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado stopped beside him and fired multiple shots into Fisher’s car.
The driver of that truck was later identified as Steverson, according to the GBI.
Court records show Fisher arrested Steverson on Aug. 28 on felony charges, including obstruction, possession of a firearm during an attempted crime and possession of marijuana. Steverson was released on bond.
‘He gave it his all’
Members of Fisher’s community are coming forward to remember the fallen officer.
Salam Baptist Church Senior Pastor Richard C. Statham said Fisher loved his work and took after his father, who was also a police officer for decades.
“He took his role as a public servant very seriously. He gave it his all,” he said. “... He went with a whole heart and died serving what he committed his life to do.”
Christopher Kent, who said he was Fisher’s first field training officer when Fisher was working for Fayette County, said if the deputy saw a young person or child, “he always made it a point to say hello and be a great representation of the badge.”
Fisher worked for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. On Thursday, the department released its own statement, calling Fisher “a law enforcement officer, a friend, a brother, a dad, and someone who will always be a part of the Fayette County community.”
“Fisher dedicated his life to serving others. He answered the call when it mattered most and ultimately made the greatest sacrifice a law enforcement officer can make,” the statement continued. “Rest easy, Sgt. Fisher. Your watch is over, but your service and sacrifice will live on forever.”
The City of Warm Springs said information about memorial services and funeral arrangements will be released when finalized. Flags at city facilities will also be lowered to half staff.
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association is raising money for the family.
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