The Dunwoody Police Department on Feb. 23 announced the death of Major William “Rusty” Furman, one of the force’s original officers, after a battle with cancer.
“He served at Marietta and Cobb County Police Departments prior to joining the Dunwoody Police Department, where he completed a decorated 28-year career in law enforcement,” a release from the department said. “He was a leader, mentor, confidante, and friend to everyone he worked with. Most importantly, he was a husband, father, son, and brother to his family.”
Police Chief Mike Carlson, who had also been a member of the original force that formed in 2009 after Dunwoody incorporated, offered his condolences.
“Major Furman was an exceptional leader, a devoted public servant, and a deeply respected member of our department family. He fought his illness with the same courage he showed every day in uniform, and he will never be forgotten,” Carlson said.
“His dedication and service will never be forgotten, and his absence has left a void that will not easily be filled.”
At the time of his death, Furman, 51, was in charge of administrative services and criminal investigations. He started at DPD in 2009 as a sergeant and shift supervisor, and in 2015 was promoted to lieutenant, overseeing training, hiring, records management, and community outreach.
In 2010, he was named a 2010 Public Safety Champion by the DeKalb Police Alliance.
He was also an integral part of the implementation of the force’s Police Explorers program, which began in 2011. In an interview with Rough Draft, Furman said the purpose of the program is often misunderstood, saying it’s more about leadership than recruitment.
“Our goal is not to make police officers,” Furman said. “Our goal is to make CEOs, CFOs, leaders.”
Funeral arrangements are not known at this time and will be updated.