Staff reports
Former Cleveland Police Chief John Foster once told the News he found a place to call home when he moved to White County in 1997. Foster, 70, died on July 12. He suffered a massive heart attack, according to Cleveland City Manager Kevin Harris.
“Chief Foster is remembered for his leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to public service,” Harris said.
Foster retired from the city in late 2020 after 23 years of service. Foster was appointed police chief in 2003.
Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner said Foster had served as police chief during the first six months of his first term as mayor.
“I appreciate his service and dedication to Cleveland and the advice he provided me early in my administration,” Turner said.
“He shaped the Cleveland Police Department and the officers within,” Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker said. “His legacy lives on in the culture of professionalism and service he helped to instill in this department.”
Foster submitted a notification letter about his retirement to the Cleveland City Council in October 2020. His last day with the department was on Dec. 28, 2020.
“I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people,” Foster then wrote. “I have spent the last 23 years attempting to make the communities of the City of Cleveland a safe space for families to reside and a place for businesses to operate without fear of criminal activity. I feel that I have, with the assistance of the mayor, council, and key police personnel, given you a police department unmatched by any other in our surrounding area and one you can be proud to call yours.”
Foster told the News that he enjoyed his job and admired the people he worked with, but that he was ready to retire.
“I found a group of people that were remarkable to work for,” Foster said. “Absolutely remarkable. The whole council, mayors that I’ve worked with, it’s been wonderful.”
But, he added, there comes a time, “to go home and cut the grass, and I’m ready to go home and find out what it’s like to cut the grass on Wednesday instead of Saturday or Sunday. It’s been good. It’s been fun.”
Five years ago, Foster cited health issues as one reason for retirement.
Before Foster settled in Cleveland, he served in law enforcement in Habersham and Hart counties, and taught criminal justice at St. Augustine Tech when he and his wife, Fran Cook, lived in Florida.
Prior to his law enforcement career, Foster served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard Reserves.
Funeral services were held on July 16, at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral. The Rev. Brandon Wood officiated, and Ken Howard spoke.
Donations in Foster’s memory may be made to the White County Honor Guard or the Charles Smithgall Humane Society.