Flags were lowered to half-staff outside Hall County Sheriff’s offices today in honor of a deputy who died from COVID.
Chris Bachelor, 42, of Maysville, passed away early Wednesday, August 25, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. The sheriff’s office says he had been battling COVID for most of the month after first experiencing symptoms in early August.
Deputy Bachelor was a 14-year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. For the last six years, he served as the School Resource Officer at C.W. Davis Middle School.
“Officer Bachelor was a proud member of our Davis Falcon Family,” says school principal Mike McQueen in an online tribute. “He was a friend, colleague and a brother to us all. There are no words to express the heartbreak and sadness we feel at this time.”
I know I speak for all of us at DMS when I say he will be missed beyond measure. His legacy and impact will live on, but it will not truly be measured until eternity.” – Mike McQueen
Bachelor also served at Flowery Branch and Friendship elementary schools, working with students who would later come through Davis and on to Flowery Branch High School, where he would see them again while working football games and other events.
“Chris was a quiet person, but watch out, all of a sudden he would make a comment out of nowhere and have you laughing,” says North Hall High School SRO Jeff Fleming. “Chris will surely be missed not only by the SRO unit but by numerous students, staff and faculty.”
A lasting legacy
Chris Bachelor began his career with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office in April of 2007 when he was hired as a jail officer. He graduated from the police academy in October of 2009 and became a deputy. Two years later, he joined the Warrants Unit.
Bachelor went from serving warrants to encouraging Hall County students as an SRO in 2015.
“Chris was loved and respected by all that knew him,” says Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch says. “He touched many lives in a positive manner, and we will miss him greatly.”
“Chris loved Davis Middle School and our community, and always served both with a smile,” adds McQueen. “I know I speak for all of us at DMS when I say he will be missed beyond measure. His legacy and impact will live on, but it will not truly be measured until eternity.”
Deputy Bachelor leaves behind a wife, 11-year-old daughter and numerous family members and friends.
MORE: End of Watch Ride honors Northeast Georgia sheriff’s deputy
Bachelor is at least the second Hall County Sheriff’s Deputy to die while battling COVID since the outbreak began last year. Jailer Brian McNair, of Habersham County, died on July 20, 2020, after coming into contact with inmates who tested positive for the virus.
A group of cross-country motorcyclists honored him during their End of Watch Ride near the first anniversary of his death earlier this year.
