Fallen Heroes Fund Established After Hall County Deputy's Death

GAINESVILLE, GA — The North Georgia Community Foundation, in cooperation with Sheriff Gerald Couch and local business leaders, has announced the creation of the Blane Dixon Fallen Heroes Fund. The purpose of the fund, named after Dixon, a Hall County Sheriff’s Deputy, killed in the line of duty, is to support the families of any first responder who loses their lives while serving the citizens of Hall County. The fund has been seeded with an initial donation by the North Georgia Community Foundation and grown further through the generosity of the Roy C. Moore Foundation and Syfan Logistics.

“When Deputy Dixon was killed in the line of duty last year, the outpouring of support for Dixon’s family, largely in the form of financial contributions, was overwhelming," Sheriff Gerald Couch said. "Coordination of that support was a challenge, and it became clear that having a comprehensive plan would have been beneficial. Fortunately, we were approached by a group of local business leaders with that concept in mind, and through a collaborative effort with the North Georgia Community Foundation, we now have a solid strategy in place. It’s our sincere hope that this fund is never used, but if a similar tragedy ever occurs again, our community will be in a much better position to provide support.”

The fund is intended to assist the family of any Hall County first responder who is killed in the line of duty. This includes, municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers, as well as firefighters and EMS personnel who serve and protect the citizens of Hall County, regardless of the color of their uniform or the shape of their badge. The fund is administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation and overseen by an advisory committee made up of local community leaders and public safety officials. The Blane Dixon Fallen Heroes Fund is reliant upon financial contributions from private citizens, as well as local businesses and organizations.

“At the Foundation, we help people invest in the lives of those who call our community home," said Michelle Prater, President and CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation. "In this instance, we feel strongly about supporting the first responders who protect our community every day and are proud to have made the initial contribution to this fund. We encourage others to use this fund as an avenue to give back to our local heroes while also fulfilling their own charitable giving goals.”

Contributions can be made online or through other financial options by contacting the North Georgia Community Foundation office at 770-535-7880.