Chatham Co. Sheriff’s Office mourns loss of corporal

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A Chatham County deputy died Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Cpl. Ava Lucas has died. Her death was not in the line of duty and was not work related.

According to officials, Cpl. Lucas’ marked unit 17-777 is at the main entrance front lobby of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, 1050 Carl Griffin Drive is a memorial.

All are welcome to place flowers and mementos in her memory until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

Flowers and pictures of Cpl. Ava Lucas sit on her deputy car as she’s remembered for this smile and her selfless personality.

Always putting a smile on others faces...

“One great lady.”

honored as officer of the month not long ago in June.

Cpl. Lucas passed away unexpectedly on Sunday after being admitted to the ICU.

Sending us pictures while in Florida preparing for her funeral, Lucas’s sister Angela Lucas-Stills says Lucas was a giver who loved taking pictures. She says Lucas leaves behind a son who she cherished.

Serving Chatham County since 2007, Sheriff John Wilcher says many are mourning her loss.

“It’s a hard one. You know people who you work with day in and day out, she’s been here 15 years, people who work with her are going to miss her.”

Sheriff Wilcher says one of her proudest moments was being promoted to Corporal in 2020.

Her main mission - pushing others to be the best they could be.

“When she came to talk, she never talked about herself. She always talked about how can we push this person forward to be a better officer. How can make her better? How can we make him better?”

Lucas’ family will be laying her to rest in Lakeland, Florida. Sheriff Wilcher says he along with Grand Marshalls and others who want to remember her will make the drive to pay their respects..

“She was apart of our family.”

Service Arrangements are listed below:

Visitation: Friday, Sept. 2, 2022

5-7 p.m.

Coney Funeral Home

647 W. Memorial Boulevard

Lakeland, FL 33815

Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022

11 a.m.

Greater St. Paul MBJ Church

1130 N. Webster Ave.

Lakeland, FL 33805

Below is a statement from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office:

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our colleague and friend, Cpl. Ava Lucas who passed away on Sunday, Aug. 28. Cpl. Lucas has been a valued member of our team since Aug. 13, 2007, she was promoted to Corporal Feb. 8, 2020. Please keep Ava’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.”

“Cpl. Lucas has been a valued member of the CCSO team since Aug. 13, 2007, she was promoted to Corporal Feb. 8, 2020. Her smile lit up a room,” Sheriff John Wilcher said.

“When she came to us asking for something, it was always for others, never for herself. She was very well liked and will be sorely missed. Please keep Ava’s family, friends and the CCSO family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time.”

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