Allen Funeral Home

Officer left 'positive impact' in short time on Ball police force

Ball police officer Russell A. "Roscoe" George had been with the Ball Police Department less than a month when he was killed in a car crash while on duty early Sunday morning. George, shown here on duty during a New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl parade in Port Allen, had previously served as a Port Allen police officer until his departure earlier this month. / Courtesy photo

"It's hard to lose a fellow officer when an officer is loved in the community," said Ball Police Chief Danny Caldwell.

The mood of the Ball Police Department is "a little down" after Ball Police Officer Russell A. "Roscoe" George, 47, died in a crash early Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 165 in Ball. George was on his way to assist another Ball officer who had requested assistance when George's 2009 Ford Crown Victoria hit a bicycle in the road, just north of the intersection of U.S. 165 and La. Highway 623 (Tioga Road).

George lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the road, went through a ditch, hit several trees and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although George had been with the Ball Police Department for only a little over a week, Caldwell said he'd known George for several years. The Ball community loved George's personality, Caldwell said.

"He was the type of guy you would want as a community policeman," he said. "Russell was with us a short time, but he will have a lasting positive impact on us."

The accident highlights the dangers of objects that fall from vehicles or that are left unattended on roadways. Local law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to make sure items they are hauling are secured in or on their vehicles so the items won't fall onto roadways.

Louisiana State Police Troop E public information officer Scott Moreau, who said George's death is still under investigation, said he's seen accidents occur because of items not being properly secured in or on vehicles.

It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure items are secured so the items don't fall out and cause a crash, Moreau said.

"We are not saying that the bicycle fell from a vehicle and caused (George's) accident," Moreau said. "After we interview a person, there's always the possibility of charges being filed. If a motorist is traveling behind a vehicle with items they think are not secure on the vehicle, they can report it to us by calling *577 on their cellular phone."

Rapides Parish Sheriff Maj. Jerome Hopewell said he's seen motorists hauling scrap metal not secure on vehicles. Motorists can face penalties, under Louisiana Statue 32:383, if items fall onto roadways, he said.

John Allen PIERCE III, Zabor Funeral Home Parma OH | Zabor Funeral ...

John Allen PIERCE III, Age 62.  Loving and devoted husband of Carol (nee Fishel).  Dear son of the late John and Martha Pierce.  Proud and loving father of John Pierce IV (Jodi), Jason Pierce (Kim), Barb Yurko, Bryan Sarver (Donna), and Dawn Bizzell (Donovan).  Proud and beloved grandfather of fifteen and adoring “Grampy” to Miranda.  Dear brother of Sandy Bostic (Tommy) and the late Glenn and Patrick Pierce.  Loving and loyal friend to many.  US Navy Vietnam Veteran.

FUNERAL SERVICE, MONDAY, JUNE 27 AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL RD., PARMA (BETWEEN RIDGE AND SNOW), PRECEDED BY VISITATION FROM 4:00 P.M. UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE.  To offer online condolences, please visit www.ZaborFH.com

Our thoughts are with Carol and her family. Carol, you and John have been treasured friends to our family many years. John was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. His strength courage and love are what made him a great man. He will be dearly missed. May God give you strength and courage during this difficult time. We love you and thank you for your friendship. Danny, Joycee, Rich, Dedra, and Bryan

Dear Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about John passing,My prayers are with you and your family. I don’t know if you remember me or not but John introduced you to me at Amy joy I was a waitress there, when he came in all the time, My sister worked there for a while also her name is Marie, She moved back to Alabama, I’m from Ga.