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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Dougherty County Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 6 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 39. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.6% of these deaths in GA, more than any other month. Thursdays: 12%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dougherty County Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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