Ex-Deputy Identified As Victim Of GA Floods

MCCAYSVILLE, GA — North Georgia communities are drawing support from organizations across the state after deadly floodwaters inundated the region.

Torrential storms barreled through north Georgia and portions of Tennessee late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.

RELATED: Several GA Residents Rescued After Floods Rise Amid Storms

The American Red Cross and the Georgia Baptist Association have reportedly come to McCaysville's aid after destructive flooding rushed through north Georgia. The Ellijay Jeepers and Jeep Girl Mafia also offered assistance through donations, WAGA-TV reported.

One person was killed after the waters swept away her vehicle in Murray County, Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Josh Lamb said Friday.

Though he did not identify her in a news conference, CBS News on Monday said she was later identified as 56-year-old Julie Barrs.

Barrs was a former Cobb County deputy who lived in Ellijay and was the first woman to join the Cobb County Sheriff's Office's SWAT team, according to her obituary.

Lamb on Friday said 100 people had been rescued in the floods; 97 in Fannin County and three in Gilmer County. A person suffered non-fatal injuries in Murray, he said.

McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley on Monday said water conditions continued to improve. However, the town is under a boil water advisory - meaning, all water used for drinking, cooking or consumption should be boiled beforehand.

Who Was Julie Barrs?

Barrs died due to heavy floods at Old CCC Camp Road. In a Fox Carolina News report published Sunday, neighbor Dottie Billingsley recalled the moments prior to Barrs' death.

“Julie was screaming, ‘Help me, please help me,’ and the stream was so, I mean it was like Niagara Falls,” Billingsley told the news outlet.

A bridge suspended over the flooding stream was locked, leading Barrs to attempt to drive through the water, the news outlet reported.

Her car was found surrounded by debris and with a tree resting against the windshield Thursday morning, Fox Carolina News reported. Billingsley reportedly said the site where the car was located was at least 2 miles downstream.

“Julie was one of a kind,” Rachel Gondek told the news outlet. “A great friend and mentor to many in law enforcement and beyond. She imparted so many valuable lessons that I’ll never forget. ... Julie never gave up, in anything.”

Barrs was born in Atlanta and has lived in both Alpharetta and Cobb before relocating to Ellijay, according to her obituary.

A Pebblebrook High School graduate, Barrs earned multiple college degrees, including a master's in psychology, her obituary stated.

In addition to joining Cobb County's SWAT team, Barrs received multiple awards for her work in the Human Trafficking Unit of the U.S. Marshal's Office.

At the time of her death, Barrs worked at the Pilgrim's Processing Plant and attended Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay, her obituary stated.

"Julie also loved cooking, hiking, biking, painting, drawing and playing the guitar. Julie loved her puppies and her cabin life. She was recording music and played several instruments. She also enjoyed making candy bags to give out to her coworkers and that she was known for giving them treats," read her obituary.

How Can I Help Flood Victims?

Multiple entities have stepped up to assist north Georgia towns with recovery.

U-Haul of North Atlanta is currently offering 30-day free storage in the following towns: Alpharetta, Buford, Canton, Cumming, Dalton, Holly Springs, Jasper, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Rome, Snellville and Woodstock.

The major storage company said the relief effort applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals, and benefits residents impacted by the floods.

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce on Monday will be giving away free smoked half chicken meals for lunch and dinner to first responders, volunteers and victims in the IGA parking lot of McCaysville.

GEMA/HS on Monday said donations can be taken to a designated collection in McCaysville. The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is collecting monetary contributions, GEMA/HS said.

Jehovah Jireh Ministries in Adairsville on Monday said a disaster relief team is preparing to deploy to assist with recovery.

Volunteers are needed, as well as the following items: cleaning supplies, heavy-duty garbage bags, bottled water, bleach, disinfectant wipes, N-95 masks and latex or nitrile gloves.

Donations are being gathered at Floyd Springs Baptist Church, 1869 Floyd Springs Road in Armuchee, until Thursday.

"Please join us in prayer for the people of McCaysville and for the safety and effectiveness of our team. Let's unite and bring hope and help to a community in crisis," Jehovah Jireh Ministries said in a Facebook post.

Christ the King Anglican Church in Hiawassee is collecting the following donations:

• Bottled water, sports drinks and powdered hydration packets
• Baby wipes, children's and adult diapers and baby formula
• Nonperishable food, plastic utensils and manual can openers
• Trash bags (13-gallon or contractor size)
• Cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries and sanitation items
• Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and feminine hygiene products
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Heavy-duty work gloves
• New, unopened socks (all sizes)

Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at the church, located at 145 N. Main St. in Hiawassee. Christ the King said donations will be delivered to First Baptist Church of McCaysville.

"As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors not only in word, but also in deed. This is an opportunity for our church and community to put that love into action," the church said in a Facebook post.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge is collecting supplies for families in the impacted areas. The business, located at 1315 E. Main St., is gathering the following donations:

• Heavy-duty work gloves
• Headlamps
• Powdered hydration packets
• Baby wipes, diapers (children and adults) and baby formula
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Plastic utensils and manual can openers
• Trash bags (13-gallon and contractor bags)
• Non-perishable food
• Cleaning supplies
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste and toiletries
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• New, unopened socks (all sizes)

"Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared information, checked on neighbors, or lent a hand. It's been incredible to see our community come together during such a difficult time," the company wrote on Instagram.