Georgia State Patrol Fallen Trooper Road Dedication

Community, Featured Stories

A Georgia State Patrol fallen trooper road dedication was held for Trooper Mack Allen Page yesterday, Monday October 20th.A short welcome and presentation was given by Board of Commissioners Chairman, J.C. Sanford and Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson. A video was played with childhood friend, Glenda Sue Johnson. When asked what she remembered about Trooper Page, Mrs. Johnson replied,

“He was a caring person with a good personality and outgoing.”

Also in the video was Retired Trooper, Foster McArthur who worked in the same era as Trooper Allen and remembered him well. Mr. McArthur was asked what hours they worked and he replied,

“We worked from can to can’t.”

He explained that troopers at that time were allowed off five days per month and NO weekends. Retired Post #27 Post Commander Billy Lovell recalled Trooper Page as having a great disposition, likable, and someone that anyone would be glad to call their friend.

Colonel Mark McDonough surprised retired trooper, Ronald West, with an award for honorable service. West was attending the ceremony with his son, Ellijay Fire Chief Sam West.

Speakers also included Colonel Mark McDonough, Commissioner Department of Public Safety and Speaker of the House, David Ralston. Speaker Ralston reminded the attendees that officers are true public servants that put their life on the line every day, they are leaders, role models and examples for others. According to Speaker Ralston, this dedication will serve as a reminder to future generations that Trooper Page was a great man. The resolution for sign dedication ceremonies was agreed to by Speaker Ralston to honor fallen officers. This resolution was presented to the family at the church.

The sign dedication ceremony was held at B.J. Reece’s Apple House on Hwy 52 East. Dr. David Drake welcomed the attendees and introduced Captain Keith Canup, Troop B Commander, followed by remarks from Senator Steve Gooch. Johnson spoke to the family regarding Trooper Page’s legacy and DOT Representative Rodney Ryan presented Diane Ferguson, widow of Page, and their son, a replica of the sign honoring Page and dedicating the stretch of Highway from Rackley Road to the Dawson County line in his memory.

After the sign was unveiled a line of flashing blue lights as far as the eye could see traveled on Hwy 52 leading the procession to Mt. Zion Baptist Church where Trooper Page was laid to rest so many years ago in 1968. The mood was somber and respectful as Troopers, Deputies, DNR agents, and officers of various departments along with dignitaries and onlookers watched the laying of the wreath and flag folding ceremony by the GSP Honor Guard. After a performance of Taps, always a sad but proud salute to fallen heroes of all those deemed deserving of this honor, there was a flyover by the GSP Aviation Division. With swollen hearts and tears in some eyes, Honor Guard Piper Dan Bray played Amazing Grace.

Although to many, a tremendous amount of time has passed, Georgia State Patrol fallen trooper, Mack Allen Page was given the honor he was due. Trooper Page, who was in the Coast Guard and Navy before joining the State Patrol. He left behind his wife at that time, Diane Ferguson and two young sons, ages five and three.

Should he have lived; he would have enjoyed two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Pastor David Drake gave the final benediction. This thought must have been in the minds of so many in attendance who are in law enforcement, who risk their lives to protect and serve every day.

Too often these brave men and women are taken for granted. If more people had heard Taps, saw the flyover, and felt the sorrow yet pride of honoring a great man, not unlike many others who were there to salute him, they would be a little kinder, a bit more respectful, and have far greater respect for those in uniform that truly deserve it.

Back to Top