Atlanta Police Officers Richard J. Halford and Sean Smiley were killed when a police helicopter crashed near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Hamilton E. Holmes Drive.
Well-wishers have left flowers, cards and other items at the site.
Howard Griffin said he was stunned by the revelation that one of the officers on board was his friend and former military pilot, Shawn Smiley. Griffin said that his friend wanted to continue using his skills as a pilot to serve others and flying a police chopper gave him that opportunity.
"One of the sayings that he would use is, ‘Don't just be a pilot that holds certificates. Be a professional pilot.' Which takes it to the next level of knowing your job, doing your job, doing whatever it takes, get there early, leave late," said Griffin.
Vollie Ragland said that her kids met Smiley at Halloween last year.
"I want to say I'm sorry to the family and I hope that, you know, they pull through this, you know, because death is no option and you never know," said Ragland.
Ruthie Hubbard said that she went to the site when she couldn't get Halford on the phone. Her worst fears were confirmed when she found out what happened.
People at the site said that they wanted to find a way to express the grief they feel, and felt that the crash site was the place to do that.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:44:36 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:35 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:35:19 GMT
State leaders and military dignitaries took part in an annual Memorial Day ceremony at the state Capitol on Thursday.
State leaders and military dignitaries took part in an annual Memorial Day ceremony at the state Capitol on Thursday. Gov. Nathan Deal took part in solemn salute of those who lost their lives while serving our country.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:26:47 GMT
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:32:02 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not so perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this weekend following the destruction and rebuilding due to superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not so perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this weekend following the destruction and rebuilding due to superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:29:05 GMT
AP photo
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:11:26 GMT
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:45 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:49:53 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:42:40 GMT
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its animatronics dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals. The ride
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its exhibit of animatronics. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals.
Howard Griffin visited the site where his friend, Atlanta Police Officer Shawn Smiley, was killed in a helicopter crash.
