By By Janet Little Cooper
The sudden death of the chief investigator for the Atmore Police Department has left all who knew him stumped.
Lt. Charles Elliard, 56, was found dead in his front yard Wednesday. The cause of his death is still unknown pending autopsy results.
Elliard, a Vietnam veteran, began working with the Atmore Police Department in August of 1984 as a patrol officer. Within a couple of years he was promoted to investigator where he spent most of his 22-year law enforcement career.
"I worked side-by-side with him for the past four years," APD investigator Chuck Brooks said. "Our offices are right across from each other. We worked together so good. He was a great person to be around. If you were ever down, Lt. Elliard would crack a few jokes and get you going again. He was a fine individual.
"He cared about his cases and he would always help me out if I needed it. He was well known in the community. We talked about our cases together and we talked about fishing all the time. He was a fisherman. He loved to hunt and especially fish. I am still in disbelief that he is gone. I worked with him all day Tuesday and everything was fine. It is just such a shock."
Elliard had a reputation for being a dedicated officer and very conscientious about his duties. He will be missed immensely among the department Atmore public safety director Glenn Carlee said.
"His death has certainly come as a shock to the entire department and the people associated with him," Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said. "Lt. Elliard was an inspiration to all of us for his dedication and many hours of service he put in for the city of Atmore."
Robin Kidd, a close personal friend of Elliard, said that he loved his job with the Atmore Police Department and that he contributed so much to the organization. She also stated that he loved to coon hunt and to fish.
"Charles was the best person I have ever known," Kidd said. "He was a loving father that loved his children, hunting and fishing. Fishing was a hobby for him."
Funeral services with full military honors and police honors will be held Thursday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at Deliverance Ministries Church in Atmore with burial following in Stallworth Cemetery.