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My name is Charlie Pearce, retired Navy captain and husband of 43 years to my wife, Gretchan Pearce. I served a little over 27 years in the U.S. Navy and had some combat experience in-country during Vietnam (1966-67) and again in Vietnam during 1972. I retired from the Navy in 1992 and worked in the private sector until 2002.
We moved to the Gainesville area, Harbour Point, in 2002. I have a son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons who live in Suwanee, and a daughter, son-in-law and a granddaughter who live in Cumming.
The purpose of my letter is to express my and our family's deepest and most sincere appreciation and thanks to Hall County deputies and the first responders who arrived at the horrific scene unfolding on the evening of Monday, July 11 in Harbour Point.
John Pearce, my nephew and the only child of my beloved late brother, was responsible for the gruesome murder of his mother, Mary, as well as the vicious and barbaric assault on my wife, Gretchan. John was a strong, extraordinarily fit young man. His deranged and unpredictable actions and demeanor, combined with his advanced skills in martial arts, made him a lethal threat to the deputies engaging him.
I know firsthand the need for decisive action during periods of turmoil and stress. I support and am very grateful for the decisive action the officers took. When the time is appropriate, I would like the opportunity to thank them in person for their heroic efforts.
I and my entire family have tremendous admiration and gratitude for the Hall County Emergency Services personnel who arrived on the scene so rapidly and so adeptly administered the care necessary to save Gretchan's life: the ambulance, Life Flight EMTs, law enforcement officers and the fire department. I will never be able to thank these individuals enough for their professionalism, call to action and focus in those critical, precious minutes.
On behalf of my family, friends and community, I am grateful for the Hall County Emergency Services. This team is a fine testimony of our community and county.
Charlie A. Pearce
Gainesville