ALBANY, Georgia – The Albany Panthers game against the Columbus Lions on Saturday, May 14th has been labeled “Heroes Night” at the Albany/ James H. Gray Civic Center. The Panthers organization will honor the service of the nation's armed services personnel, veterans, firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement members and teachers. The Panthers will also pay special honor to the memory of Lieutenant Thomas C. “Cliff” Rouse.
Lieutenant Rouse was an eighteen year veteran of the Dougherty County Police Department. He started his law enforcement career in September 1992. He was promoted to Sergeant in September 1999, and then to Lieutenant on January 3, 2000. Lieutenant Rouse was the first Dougherty County Police Officer killed in the Line of Duty in the 84 year history of the Department.
In honor of Lt. Rouse, the Albany Panthers will donate a portion of each “Heroes Night” ticket sold to the Cliff Rouse Memorial. Members of all groups can purchase tickets to the Panthers against the Columbus Lions for the group discount price.
“As a veteran police officer, I want to thank the Albany Panthers for hosting a night that will directly support our fallen comrade. We are grateful to have this opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of Lt. Rouse in a venue that we understand he would have loved so much,” said Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheeks. “Lieutenant Thomas C. “Cliff’” Rouse truly represented all that is good and noble about the law enforcement profession, his service to the citizens of Dougherty County is sorely missed.”
“The Panthers organization is honored to donate and help the family of Lt. Rouse, whose sacrifice allows us all to live in peace and security. We will play in tribute and respect to him each time we take the turf this season,” said Will Carter, Albany Panthers General Manager.
The next home game for the Albany Panthers is Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 7:30 pm against the Columbus Lions. SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Tickets for the May 14th “Heroes Night” in memory of Lt. Rouse can be purchased by calling 229.435.1230, going by the Albany Civic Center Box Office, or by calling 877-544-TIXX(8499) and at Ticketmaster.com.
About The Albany Panthers
The Albany Panthers are proud members of the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL). All home games are played at the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center located in Albany, Georgia. For the full 2011 schedule and seating chart go to www.AlbanyPanthers.net.
About Cliff Rouse
Lieutenant Rouse was an eighteen year veteran of the Dougherty County Police Department. He started his law enforcement career in September 1992. He was promoted to Sergeant in September 1999, and then to Lieutenant on January 3, 2000.
On Thursday, December 23, 2010, Lieutenant Thomas C. “Cliff” Rouse was serving as the Patrol Division Watch Commander on the 1800 – 0600 shift. At approximately 2200 hours he responded to an Armed Robbery in progress call at the Pitt Stop Convenience Store, located at 3225 Sylvester Road, in the unincorporated area of Dougherty County, Georgia.
Based on investigation and interviews it has been determined that the offender fired at least 2 rounds at Lieutenant Rouse from a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. Lieutenant Rouse was struck twice, once in the lower right abdomen slightly below his ballistic vest, and a second time in the upper left thigh. Lieutenant Rouse was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The abdominal wound was fatal.
He leaves behind his wife, Christine Clements Rouse, and his two children, Thomas Braxton Rouse, and Bradey Lynn Rouse.
