A Gordon County Sheriff’s Captain who served the Sheriff’s department for 30 years died Sunday morning from coronavirus complications, Sheriff Mitch Ralston reports.
“I am heartbroken today to inform the people of Calhoun and Gordon County that we have lost a great man and a wonderful public servant. Captain Michael D. (Mike) Garigan passed away this morning from COVID 19 related medical complications,” Ralston said.
Garigan served as a uniformed deputy, a detective, and most recently as the Jail Division Commander. He rose steadily through the ranks, and was decorated on numerous occasions for bravery and excellent police work.
Most local residents would remember Garigan for his work with the DARE program. For several years in the 1990s, Mike was the Sheriff’s Office DARE coordinator, and is fondly remembered by the hundreds of children he met, taught and to whom he provided a positive influence.
“Mike battled tenaciously and bravely for several weeks with the the illness. He was a fighter. He was known for his love of sports, and he dedicated countless hours to coaching young people’s teams,” Ralston said. “My staff and I loved Mike and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family at this trying time.”
