Woman who died in north Georgia floods was former Cobb County deputy

A woman who died in the north Georgia floods last week has been identified as a former Cobb County deputy.

State officials said 56-year-old Julie Barrs, of Ellijay, died after her car was swept away in the floodwaters. Barrs’ obituary said that she grew up in Cobb County, graduated from Pebblebrook High School and worked for the sheriff’s office.

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“She worked as a Deputy for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and was the first female member of their Swat Team. Also, while at the sheriff’s office, she worked with the US Marshals in human trafficking, earning several awards,” family wrote in her obituary.

After her time with the sheriff’s office, Barrs moved to Ellijay. Her family wrote that Barrs loved to cook, hike, paint and spend time with her dogs.

Funeral services for Barr have not been finalized. Her family is asking for donations to be made to a local humane society or animal shelter.

Barrs is the only death reported from the floods that hit Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties. A state of emergency remains in effect for the area.

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