The Cobb Chamber honored Cobb County’s finest Monday, October 5, during its annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon, presented by Marquee Sponsor Superior Plumbing, and Platinum Sponsors Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. The event kicked off Public Safety Appreciation Week, a community-wide effort to say “thank you” to the men and women who work tirelessly to keep Cobb County safe.
Brian Marcos, Cobb Chamber Public Safety Chairman & Chief of the Smyrna Fire Department, as well as Lance LoRusso of the LoRusso Law Firm, addressed the audience to share messages of appreciation and to communicate how our community can come together to lift up our public safety year-round. Following these messages, awards were presented to public safety agencies from across Cobb County, including police, fire, sheriff’s office, campus police and EMS.
Congratulations to our 2026 Public Safety Award recipients:
Public Safety Employee of the Year
This award is given to an employee who has performed his or her job with exceptional skill, exhibited leadership and critical incident management and a devotion to their responsibilities.
Field Training Officer Devin Congleton, MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service
FTO Devin Congleton consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical judgment, compassion, and a commitment to providing the highest level of patient care. On January 28, 2026, she and her partner responded to the Public Safety Administration Building for a shooting involving a 26-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Working alongside fire personnel, Congleton quickly helped control the patient’s bleeding before transporting her to the hospital. During the seven-minute transport, the crew administered lifesaving blood, and because of their rapid treatment, the patient survived injuries that physicians later described as having a very low likelihood of survival.
Beyond her work in the field, Congleton serves as a Field Training Officer, mentoring new employees and helping prepare the next generation of EMS providers. She also regularly steps in as a fill-in supervisor, providing guidance and ensuring smooth operations whenever needed. Her willingness to support her coworkers, share her knowledge, and accept additional responsibilities has made her a trusted resource throughout the organization.
Whether responding to critical emergencies, training new providers, or supporting daily operations, Congleton consistently makes a positive difference for both her patients and her fellow employees. Her determination has strengthened her organization and exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding public safety professional.
Award of Merit
The Award of Merit honors a public safety professional or team whose actions go beyond the normal scope of duty to protect others, strengthen community safety, or create meaningful improvements in public safety operations.
Detective Daniel Wood, Kennesaw Police Department
Detective Daniel Wood’s exceptional dedication, perseverance, and investigative expertise were instrumental in unraveling a complex, multi-year cyber exploitation investigation that resulted in justice for victims across multiple states. Beginning with a single report from a Kennesaw victim whose Snapchat account had been compromised, Detective Wood uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which the suspect impersonated victims’ friends to gain access to social media accounts, steal private images, and extort victims. Through digital forensic analysis, search warrants, subpoenas, and countless hours of investigative work, Detective Wood identified numerous additional victims transforming a single case into a nationwide investigation.
Detective Wood coordinated with law enforcement agencies across the country, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to build a federal case against the suspect. He dedicated thousands of hours, both on and off duty, to locating victims, documenting their experiences, and ensuring they received support throughout the investigation. His expertise also became a valuable resource for other agencies seeking to connect their cases to the suspect and provide justice for their own victims.
Detective Wood’s relentless commitment led to the successful federal prosecution of Jamarcus Mosley, who pled guilty to computer fraud, extortion, and cyberstalking after targeting hundreds of victims, including minors. His work not only brought justice to countless victims but also helped raise awareness of online exploitation and demonstrated the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting vulnerable individuals from cybercrime.
Outstanding Contribution Award
The Outstanding Community Contribution Award honors a public safety professional who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to the community through volunteerism, outreach, and civic engagement beyond their official duties.
Sergeant Jeremy McGhee, Austell Police Department
Sgt. McGhee exemplifies volunteerism, civic engagement, and community outreach beyond his job responsibilities. He regularly visits seniors through Cobb County Senior Services, bringing joy by playing the piano. He has also built meaningful relationships with nearly every church in the jurisdiction and has provided shoes to Garrett Middle School students in need using both personal funds and donations from colleagues. He has also helped at-risk teens secure employment opportunities and has provided ongoing mentorship to children at the request of parents.
Sgt. McGhee has dedicated countless hours to supporting individuals throughout the community, with a particular focus on youth and those facing difficult circumstances. Through his work with the Waymark Foundation, OneChurchATL S.E.A.L., and local schools, he provides guidance, encouragement, and positive role models for young people while helping them build confidence and make positive life choices. His commitment to strengthening the community extends beyond mentorship through literacy initiatives, financial education, and volunteer service to individuals recovering from addiction.
Equally remarkable is Sgt. McGhee’s compassion for those experiencing life’s most difficult moments. As Austell Chaplain Coordinator, he provides spiritual support during times of crisis, and he personally writes letters of condolence to every family who loses a loved one in incidents to which his team responds.
Through his servant leadership and dedication to the community, Sgt. McGhee has strengthened trust between law enforcement and those he serves. His lasting impact on countless lives reflects the very best of public service.
Leadership & Excellence Award
The Leadership & Excellence Award recognizes a public safety professional whose exceptional leadership, vision, and sustained dedication have advanced the mission of public safety and elevated the standards of service.
Officer Michael Payne, Acworth Police Department
With a law enforcement career spanning nearly five decades, Officer Michael Payne has consistently demonstrated integrity, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the profession. Officer Payne began his career with the Cobb County Police Department in 1977, rising through the ranks to Major before retiring in 2008. During his tenure, he oversaw Administrative Services, certification, and accreditation, helping guide organizational development and ensuring the department maintained the highest professional standards. After retiring, Officer Payne remained dedicated to public service by joining the Acworth Police Department in 2015, bringing decades of experience and leadership that have benefited the organization.
Since joining Acworth, Officer Payne has completed Command College, earned certification as a Senior Training Instructor, and serves as a firearms instructor, general instructor, and department chaplain. He plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals by regularly instructing officers on use of force, de-escalation, ethics, and professionalism. His mentorship, calm leadership style, and willingness to invest in developing others have strengthened the organizational culture while reinforcing the values of integrity, compassion, communication, and sound judgment.
One of Officer Payne’s most remarkable accomplishments over the past year was his dedication to preserving the legacy of Fallen Acworth Officer Leonard Byrd “Pete” Rainey. Recognizing that Officer Rainey had never received formal recognition due to incomplete historical records, Officer Payne spent countless hours researching archives, locating surviving family members, gathering documentation, and working with memorial organizations to ensure Officer Rainey met the criteria for recognition. His efforts resulted in Officer Rainey’s name being permanently added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Georgia Public Safety Training Center Memorial, and the memorial at the Acworth Police Department.
Award of Valor
The Award of Valor is one of the highest honors in public safety, recognizing extraordinary courage in the face of imminent danger. It is reserved for individuals who, without hesitation, place themselves at great personal risk to protect others and safeguard the community.
Company 55 (Lt Luke Wilson, FF Engineer Ryan Conniff, FF Engineer Jonathan Fernandez, FF Blaine Whealy, FF Andrew Wiedrick, FF Tucker Griffith), Marietta Fire Department
On May 10, 2025, Company 55 demonstrated exceptional courage during a high-risk domestic incident involving two young children trapped inside a residence with an individual believed to be armed and behaving erratically. Upon arriving on scene, firefighters quickly assessed the situation, coordinated with the Cobb County Police Department, donned body armor, and rapidly deployed ground ladders to safely rescue both children through a second-story window. Their calm, decisive actions ensured the children were removed from immediate danger without injury.
Following the rescue, Company 55 remained on scene to provide medical care for the children and tactical medical support for law enforcement as the incident continued. Their seamless coordination with the Cobb County Police Department and Marietta Police Department demonstrated the value of strong interagency partnerships during critical incidents.
Company 55’s commitment to protecting others was evident throughout this incident. Their teamwork and decisive actions ensured the children were safely removed from danger while assisting law enforcement throughout the incident.
The 2026 Public Safety Appreciation Breakfast is sponsored by Marquee Sponsor, Superior Plumbing; Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service; Awards Sponsor, LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors, Barrow Wrecker Service, Chattahoochee Technical College, Genuine Parts Company, and Marietta Wrecker; Appreciation Week Sponsors, EMC Security, LGE Community Credit Union, Northside Hospital, and Verizon; Silver Sponsors, Atlanta Braves, C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. Inc., Freeman Mathis & Gary, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Governors Gun Club, Kennesaw State University, Operative IQ, Puckett EMS, and Six Flags Over Georgia; and Patriot Sponsors, CDH Partners, Georgia Power, Henssler Financial, Hoar Construction, and Mauldin & Jenkins.
For the latest information on Public Safety Appreciation Week, visit https://cobbchamber.org/cobbappreciates/, or contact Katie Guice at kguice@cobbchamber.org.
About the Cobb Chamber
At the Cobb Chamber, we believe in the power of ambition. Through our wealth of programming and partnerships, we unite the region’s most innovative, informed, and determined people so that they can achieve more. And through our advocacy and initiatives, we ensure that our county is a healthy place to do business. While our members span industry, background, and experience, we share a common desire: to see Cobb County flourish. For more information, visit www.cobbchamber.org.