Services are being held midweek for a Paulding County Sheriff’s deputy with more than a decade on the job who died unexpectedly at home this past Thursday.
The PCSO announced this afternoon that funeral services are being held on Wednesday for Deputy Allen Rakestraw, who suffered a “medical emergency” and passed away unexpectedly on February 22.
He was 43 years old.
Rakestraw, and eighth generation Paulding County resident, began his career in June 2013 with the Sheriff’s Office. He first started as a jailer with the office in 2012.
“Deputy Rakestraw worked in the Uniform Patrol Division where he lived out his dream by keeping our community safe,” the release noted.
He later went to a part time role in 2015 with the Sheriff’s Office while also running a General Contracting company in Paulding. In his part time role, he oversaw radios and cell phones for the Sheriff’s Office.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Allen. He was more than a Deputy, he was my friend. Allen was one of the driving forces behind my original campaign for Sheriff. Without his help, I don’t know if I would be our Sheriff today. I am forever indebted to Allen for his service to myself and our
community,” Sheriff Gary Gulledge said in the release.
A visitation is being held at New Season Church in Hiram on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church.
“Please keep the men and women of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, along with Deputy Rakestraw’s family, in your thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks,” the release added.
