Culloden monument honors slain Monroe deputy

CULLODEN -- When they were growing up together, Chris Boling remembers his best friend Michael Norris saying that he believed he would die young and be forgotten.

Norris turned out be right about the first part, but he was wrong on the second.

Boling was among about 100 people who rode all-terrain vehicles around Culloden on Saturday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Norris’ death while serving as a Monroe County deputy.

On Sept. 13, 2014, Norris and Deputy Jeff Wilson responded to a report of a man attempting suicide. The man is accused of shooting both of them. Wilson survived but Norris was fatally wounded.

Boling said he still has trouble accepting the reality of Norris’ death.

“He was Superman,” Boling said. “He did everything and never got hurt.”

The ATV ride was done in recognition of Norris’ love for ATVs and the outdoors. It ended at the entrance into Culloden off U.S. 341, where a monument paid for with funding approved by the Monroe County Commissioners was unveiled.

The monument isn’t the only gesture to memorialize Norris’ sacrifice. U.S. 341 in Monroe County is being named in his honor.

After lifting the cover off the monument, Norris’ father spoke to those gathered.

“This last year seems like days ago,” he said. “It’s been an experience I pray never happens to you. But if it does, remember God will pull you through it. The people of Monroe County and Middle Georgia are a part of heaven on earth. It’s full of angels doing God’s work.”

He also offered some thoughts on criticism of law enforcement.

“I’m here to tell you that I know more dedicated, polite, kind and humble officers in public safety than I meet in everyday life,” he said.

The commemoration did not end there. Afterwards the crowd moved to a nearby area where they spent the afternoon engaging in some other activities that Norris enjoyed, including corn hole and laser tag.

His aunt, Tammie Pierson, said the memorial will become an annual event.

“Michael was really active in the outdoors and we wanted to do something geared toward the things he enjoyed,” Pierson said.

Sheriff John Cary Bittick said the support of the community has helped the department get through a difficult year.

“I think people are beginning to heal,” he said. “There’s still a closeness amongst all the officers there which I think it going to last a long, long time.”

Chris Calmer, 47, is charged with murder in Norris’ slaying. He is in custody awaiting trail.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published September 12, 2015 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Culloden monument honors slain Monroe deputy ."