Danny Christmas, Chief of the Ware County Schools Police, died suddenly Tuesday afternoon, March 11 at Memorial Satilla Hospital.
Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett said his office received a call to Christmas’s residence in Pierce County at 1:52 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. Bennett’s office is handling the death’s investigation, which is ongoing, the Sheriff said.
“We are awaiting the report from the state medical examiner,” said Bennett, who added there would be no further comment at this time.
Christmas, 52, was a veteran of more than three decades in law enforcement with the Ware County Sheriff’s Department and Corrections Corporation of America before being selected to oversee the creation of the school system’s police unit.
“Our entire school system mourns the loss of Chief Christmas,” Ware County School Superintendent Dr. Lynn Barber said. “He was an integral part of achieving our school system’s goals regarding student and staff safety.”
A funeral service for Christmas was held Saturday morning, March 15 at the Ware County Performing Arts Center.
Christmas began his role with the school system in May, 2019. Ware County decided to expand its unit of resource officers in the spring of 2019 and Christmas was hired in May to serve as chief of the 13-officer unit.
The force was expanded in order to place a resource officer in each of the system’s schools, officials said.
Prior to the opening of the 2019-20 school year, officers only were present in Ware’s two middle schools and the high school.
“Several years ago, our Board of Education and school leaders saw the need to develop our own police department,” said Barber. “Chief Christmas was instrumental in getting this up and running. His connections with the law enforcement community, as well as his years of experience made this process go smoothly.
“The department we have today, with all of its dedicated professionals, is a testament to his leadership.”
Waycross Police Chief Tommy Cox not only was a law enforcement colleague of Christmas, but a lifelong friend dating to their days attending Memorial Drive Elementary School.
“He was always someone I was guaranteed to laugh with as a kid, which carried over into adulthood,” Cox said. “That connection always stayed intact and led to a strong working relationship. If we ever met concerning a law enforcement matter, it was obvious to me the students were always his highest priority.
“He truly loved the position he held as the school system’s police chief.”
Ware County Sheriff Carl James had a long working relationship as a member of the Sheriff’s Department.
“I am saddened to hear of Chief Danny Christmas’ passing,” James said. “His family and past and present work colleagues have my very deepest sympathies.
“I know that as the first Chief of the Ware County Schools Police he will continue to be remembered fondly by his fellow school resource officers he led.”
Christmas is survived by his wife, Angel Christmas, four children, two stepdaughters, and two grandchildren. His parents, Jimmy and Betty Christmas, and a sister, Joy Christmas also survive.
Christmas was a candidate last year to represent the First District on the Pierce County Commission.
