TRIBUTE STORIES

My father, Hugh Dorsey Cleveland, was killed in the line of duty Septmeber 30, 1951, at the age of 35. He and two other officers were called to the scene of a violent domestic dispute where a beserk drunk wielded a shotgun, shooting my Dad in the head at close range, killing him instantly. The man then shot and killed himself. Shock and sorrow quickly spread over the community and state. There was an outpouring of love and support from friends, family and total strangers. All felt the sting of this polarizing event. Although I was only seven years old and didn't understand everything, I knew something was terribly wrong.

Dad was survived by my Mother, Doris Welborn Cleveland and five children under the age of ten. I am the middle child. "It was a horrible day for me and my children," my Mother said. In spite of the tragedy and subsequent extreme hardships, she never lost hope as she knew there had to be better days ahead. We grew to become productive citizens through being a homemaker, newspaper editor, mechanical engineer, nurse educator and laboratory assistant.

I was in touch with Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh in 2002. Through his efforts and the help of Mayor Iola and Mr. Allen Stone the Elbert County Librarian, Camilla Bailey, and others, I was able to learn more about my Dad. You see, we weren't allowed to talk about him much during our younger years because of painful memories our Mother still carried. No pictures were displayed either and as a result, we grew up not really knowing who our Father was.

Healing from this loss which occurred over 50 years ago has taken most of my adult life. That goes for my brothers and sisters as well I credit seeing my Dad's name on The Georgia Public Safety Memorial in Forsyth as playing a part in being able to put my loss in perspective. It was also meaningful to see his name on the NLEOM wall. I visited there in 2004 and was overwhelmed realizing my Dad was one of over 16,000 heroes.

Also in 2004, during National Police Week, the Elberton Police Department had a meaningful grave side memorial service which one of my sisters and I were able to attend. This was equivalent to being at my Dad's funeral which we did not attend as children. A flood of emotions poured out as my cousins and others in attendance shared their memories and offered words of support. It was what I would simply call "good grief." Police Chief Welsh stated that there would be a memorial service every year in memory of my Dad and other officers. What love and concern I feel from their efforts!! The honor and respect they have demonstrated for my Dad has been tremendous.

I remember my Dad everyday and the few memories I have of him, they are precious to me. I wish I had more but that won't happen in this life. My Mother is much more open about his life and death now. My youngest brother has no memory of Dad and that is really tough. However, we all realize that we can't live forever in the past and dwell on something so tragic. My Dad wouldn't want that. I know that he was a good man who everybody loved, a fun-loving and outgoing person who would want us to enjoy life. We have tried to make him proud.

Another major aspect of my healing was meeting, in 2002, the son of the man who shot my Dad. I realize that his family suffered a great loss as well. He was there and saw it all. He tried to stop what was happening and couldn't. Not only did he see his Father kill my Dad, he saw his own Father take his own life. The time we spent talking over events was a like a healing balm. Grief shared gave both sides some release from the past and it was a very special time. Some have asked how I could meet with this man, considering that his Dad killed yours? Years earlier I would not have considered doing that but I just knew the time had come--it seemed right and in retrospect it was. Very right.

Finally, I would like to encourage others who are dealing with loss, not to wait as long as I did to grieve and seek answers and help. It is available if you just let people know you need support. Don't be shy ... people want to help so let them. One question not to ask is WHY?
There's no answer which can satisfy the question.
Learn to help others and reach out to others in their loss. Summer, 2005 Birmingham lost 3 of its Finest. I sent sympathy cards and with personal notes, letting the family know I had some idea of how they were feeling. It helped me and I hope it helped them. Last but not least, pray and pray often. God will sustain you and help you when you can't help yourself.
It's taken a long time, Daddy, but I've finally come to a place of peace about what happened to your in 1951. I miss you and will always love you to heaven and back.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD. Matthew 5:9

Note: Officer Cleveland is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery in Elberton. His wife designed the foot stone with his a replica of his badge. Inscribed are words "Faithful to the End."

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