Julie Ann Barrs, a 56-year-old Ellijay resident and former Cobb County sheriff’s deputy, died on Thursday, Nov. 5, after floodwaters swept her vehicle away in Murray County, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
The incident occurred on Old CCC Camp Road, where rushing water carried Barrs’ car off the roadway, according to officials. The Murray County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Barrs as the driver of the vehicle.
The death comes amid a period of severe weather that triggered widespread emergency responses throughout the region. Emergency crews performed approximately 100 rescues across North Georgia during the flooding, with the vast majority of those operations concentrated in Fannin County.
Responders utilized swiftwater rescue teams and assistance from several different counties and agencies to manage the rising waters. Officials noted that 97 rescues took place in Fannin County, while Gilmer County saw three rescues during the flooding period.
Barrs was a prominent figure in the Cobb County law enforcement community. She was the first woman to serve on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
Beyond her work in local law enforcement, Barrs contributed to federal efforts involving the U.S. Marshals Service. In that capacity, she worked on cases related to human trafficking and received several awards for her service.
Her professional background also included academic achievement. She earned several degrees, including a master’s degree in psychology.
Though born in Atlanta, Barrs had lived in both Cobb County and Alpharetta before eventually making her home in Ellijay. At the time of her death, she was employed at a Pilgrim’s processing plant in North Georgia.
Those close to her described a woman with diverse interests and a community-focused spirit. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay and was known among her colleagues for making candy bags for them.
Her personal life was centered around the mountain landscape she inhabited. She enjoyed cabin life, hiking, biking, painting, and drawing, and she was also an avid musician who recorded music and played several instruments.
Barrs is survived by her brother, Jeff Barrs, and his wife, Vicki, of Douglasville, as well as several cousins and her two dogs, Dutchess and Winston.
A celebration of life for Barrs is expected to be scheduled for a later date. Her family has suggested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local animal shelter or humane society.
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