Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Cliff Rouse was shot after responding to an armed robbery at a convenience store on Sylvester Road after 10:00 pm.
Shortly after his initial response to the call, he radioed that he had been shot at a nearby trailer park and needed an ambulance. He had been struck once in the leg and once in the abdomen, just below his vest. He was transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The 18-year-old suspect was apprehended by a member of the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office during a search of the trailer park. He was charged with felony murder and additional charges in connection with the armed robbery.
On February 25, 2015, the suspect, who was on felony probation, pled guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Lieutenant Rouse had served with the Dougherty County Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-3E17CD83- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Lieutenant Rouse gave the Dougherty County Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Rouse.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lieutenant Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Rouse is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Rouse's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Rouse Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Rouse is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Rouse was killed by handgun; 9 mm.