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.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:25:16 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:11:47 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:21:22 GMT
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. On Thursday, Parson was convicted of shooting his wife, Adina, eight times in 2012.
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. During an emotional sentencing hearing on Friday morning, Parson's mother told the court she still doesn't believe he is the shooter.
Howard Griffin visited the site where his friend, Atlanta Police Officer Shawn Smiley, was killed in a helicopter crash.
