A Georgia fire chief was fatally shot while assisting a driver who struck a deer in Stroud, Alabama, near the Georgia state line on Sunday, January 19, 2025, around 5 p.m.
James Bartholomew “Bart” Cauthen, 54, a battalion chief with Coweta County Fire Rescue in Newnan, Georgia, was pronounced dead at the scene on County Road 267 near U.S. 431.
Chambers County Chief Deputy Mike Parrish described the incident as one of the most distressing and unusual cases in his over 30-year career. He noted that Chief Cauthen, 54, had been on a nearby property he owned or maintained, tending to cattle by spreading hay. As Cauthen was departing, he observed a vehicle that had collided with a deer and chose to assist the driver and his wife. Due to limited cell phone reception in the remote area, Cauthen and the driver decided to walk to a nearby residence to seek help.
As Cauthen and the driver approached the driveway, investigators say 33-year-old William Randall Franklin emerged from his home and began shooting at them without any warning. Both men were hit by gunfire. The driver, who was armed, fired back and injured Franklin. Chief Cauthen tried to cross the road but collapsed into a ditch, where he died from his injuries before deputies could arrive. The driver, despite being wounded, is expected to recover.
The driver’s wife remained in the car throughout the incident and was unharmed. Franklin, who was released from Piedmont Medical Center on Monday, was arrested by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of being a fugitive from justice in Alabama. He is currently awaiting extradition to Chambers County, Alabama, where he faces murder charges.
The Coweta County Fire Department expressed their grief in a statement: “Coweta County Fire Rescue continues to be devastated by the tragic passing of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. Cauthen has been with our department for more than 24 years. He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul.”
The department expressed that they, like many others, have numerous questions as they work through this devastating tragedy. They extended their heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Cauthen’s family, friends, and the Fire Rescue family who worked closely with him. Gratitude was also extended to the various agencies and the community for their condolences and unwavering support, emphasizing that Coweta County’s strength and solidarity would help them overcome this difficult time.
In honor of Cauthen, the department shared a social media post noting that his “shift at the fire house” was that day and “he is already missed.” The department added, “Our team showing their respect! #COWETASTRONG. We want to thank the community for the support and prayers and all the agencies that have reached out to lift us up.”
Maddie Troyer, an advanced emergency medical technician with Coweta County Fire, commented, “Horrible. CCFR is broken-hearted tonight. We lost one of the best ones.” (usatoday.com)
According to colleagues at the Coweta County Fire Department, Cauthen was described as a “very jovial person” and someone who “constantly puts themselves in front of people to help.” His death has deeply affected both the department and the community he served for over two decades.
The department confirmed that funeral arrangements for Cauthen have not yet been made. The investigation into the motive for the shooting remains ongoing, and the Chambers County Alabama Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to come forward.
