A public memorial service has been scheduled for Walker County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy Tanja who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.
Tanja, her handler Deputy Donnie Brown, other sheriff’s deputies and state parole officers were attempting to arrest Steven Lee Waldemer, 58, of 377 Moon Lake Road, Walker County, Menlo, Ga., on felony warrants at about 3:45 p.m. last Friday when the shooting happened. Waldemer was arrested and charged with multiple felonies.
Tanja died at the scene and Deputy Brown sustained injuries to his jaw and neck. Deputy Brown was treated and released from Erlanger Hospital.
The public memorial service will be held on Friday, at 11 a.m. at the Walker County Civic Center, 10052 North Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. 30739.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to We Ride to Provide, Inc., 15 Hunnington Place, Covington, Ga. 30016.
Emergency service personnel and vehicles who desire to participate in a memorial procession are asked to stage in the rear parking lot of LaFayette High School, 5178 Round Pond Road, Lafayette, Ga. 30728 at 10 a.m. on Friday.
For additional information or questions, contact Deputy Dewayne Brown at 706 638-5570 or Sgt. Chris Anderson at 706 638-1909, Ext. 232.