Public Safety Awards

Acworth Police Department

Victim Advocate Emily Hall is known for her exceptional dedication to victims within the community. Recently, she played a critical role in supporting a complex child molestation investigation involving a 10-year-old victim. While investigators handled the criminal aspects of the case, Hall worked closely with the victim and family, providing continuous support and access to essential resources throughout the investigation. Her professionalism and empathy helped ensure the victim felt supported and protected during an incredibly difficult time.

Since the Victim Advocate position was established at the Acworth Police Department in 2023, victim service-related cases have increased by more than 50 percent. Despite managing an average of 52 cases per month, Hall consistently provides individualized care and serves as a vital liaison between victims, investigators, prosecutors, and community resources. Her commitment often extends beyond regular business hours as she remains available to assist victims during times of crisis and uncertainty.

As the only dedicated victim advocate employed by a law enforcement agency in Cobb County, Hall’s contributions have strengthened both the department’s investigative efforts and its relationship with the community. Her collaboration with detectives improves communication, increases access to services, and fosters trust between victims and law enforcement. Recognized as the Acworth Police Department’s 2025 Civilian of the Year, she has set a high standard for victim advocacy through her selfless service and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for victims.

Acworth Police Department

With a law enforcement career spanning nearly five decades, Officer Mike 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 greatly 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.

Acworth Police Department

Macey Williams is a dedicated member of the Acworth Police Department whose work has had a meaningful impact on both the agency and the community it serves. Serving as the department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) Manager and primary drone operator, she provides critical investigative intelligence and operational support to every division within the agency. In 2025, she graduated from the statewide Criminal Intelligence Program, a rigorous 170-plus-hour specialty certification, and earned her FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Pilot License, further strengthening the department’s public safety capabilities and supporting the implementation of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. As the founding manager of the RTCC, Williams helped establish a program that has significantly improved situational awareness, operational efficiency, and real-time response capabilities for officers in the field.

As the agency’s primary drone operator, Williams routinely responds to active and rapidly evolving incidents where real-time intelligence is critical. Whether assisting with searches for missing children or elderly individuals, monitoring dangerous incidents, tracking suspects, or providing aerial overwatch during operations, she consistently delivers timely and accurate intelligence that enhances officer safety and operational effectiveness. She performs exceptionally well under pressure and has become a trusted resource during critical incidents, providing command staff with real-time updates that support effective decision-making and coordination. Her initiative and reliability set her apart, as she routinely self-initiates responses, gathers intelligence, and ensures personnel have the information necessary to respond effectively.

Beyond her operational contributions, Williams demonstrates outstanding leadership through mentorship and community engagement. She regularly invests time in students throughout the community by speaking at schools and encouraging young people interested in careers in criminal justice, technology, and public safety. Williams has consistently gone above and beyond in support of the department and community.

Austell Fire Department

Captain Greg Etheridge has served the City of Austell Fire Department for more than 30 years, building a career defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to community safety. After 25 years in fire operations, he became the City’s first state-mandated fire investigator and now serves as the department’s lead fire investigator and inspector. Over the past year, his investigative work directly led to five arrests related to separate fire incidents, including a fire that destroyed a large church in the community. His attention to detail and dedication to public safety has helped bring cases to resolution while reinforcing public trust in the department.

In addition to his investigative responsibilities, Captain Etheridge works closely with partner agencies to strengthen policies and programs that improve prevention, response, and coordination efforts. He also oversees the city’s multi-department drone program, supporting fire, police, utility, and public works operations through enhanced situational awareness and safe, effective drone deployment. Throughout his career, he has also played a key role in securing federal and local grants that have helped improve departmental capabilities and resources.

Captain Etheridge is widely respected for his willingness to assist wherever needed and for always keeping the interests of the city and its residents first. As an instructor and mentor, he has provided countless risk-reduction and safety education programs for employees, residents, businesses, and community groups. His dedication to serving others has made a lasting impact on the City of Austell and the fire service, making him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.

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.

Cobb County Police Department

For many years, Connie Burson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community engagement and service, making a lasting impact through her tireless support of community outreach initiatives and organizational engagement. Although she serves in an administrative role, Burson has dedicated countless hours beyond her normal duties to supporting the department’s Community Affairs Unit. Her commitment has enhanced the quality and success of both large and small outreach initiatives, including Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, Cool Cars & Cops, and SWAT Santa. During SWAT Santa, she personally shops for families in need, wraps gifts for more than 50 children, and helps create a memorable holiday experience for families facing difficult circumstances.

Burson’s leadership and community connections have played a vital role in the continued success of the Department’s outreach efforts. She consistently brings together community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors to help expand the reach and effectiveness of department programs. She also plays an important role in expanding community engagement through her work with the Safety Village and her relationships with Spanish-language media and community partners.

Cobb County Police Department

Sergeant Brett Gossett has led the most significant transformation of the Cobb County Police Department’s Weapons Unit in more than 40 years. While leading the transition to a new indoor firearms range and the department-wide implementation of a new primary handgun with optic sights, Sgt. Gossett worked tirelessly to enhance training. He helped guide the design of the new range, developed new training for optic sights, collaborated with manufacturers to resolve critical firearm safety concerns, and implemented innovative tools and technology that have enhanced officer safety and performance.

Sgt. Gossett also transformed the Department’s Active Threat training by introducing year-round “Pop-Up” training sessions, expanding hands-on scenario-based exercises, and creating a mentoring program for newly promoted and future sergeants focused on critical incident response. He further enhanced training opportunities by maximizing the use of the Department’s new modular shoot house and acquiring specialized equipment, including a ballistic training robot, to provide realistic, high-quality training. In addition, he earned his Force Science Certification to strengthen the Department’s use-of-force training and incident debriefing process.

Sgt. Gossett’s leadership has improved officer preparedness, modernized training, and strengthened the Department’s operational readiness. His efforts have not only enhanced current training programs but also established a strong foundation for continued growth and future success.

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 ultimately 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.

Kennesaw State University Department of Public Safety

Heather Tucker has consistently demonstrated the leadership, vision, and dedication that define excellence in public safety. Since becoming a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) instructor in 2009, she has consistently gone above and beyond to provide high-quality self-defense training for students, staff, and the community. After becoming an instructor trainer in 2021 and assuming leadership of Kennesaw State University’s R.A.D. program in 2022, she expanded instructor development, increased training opportunities, and helped establish KSU as the official R.A.D. training site for the State of Georgia.

One of Tucker’s most significant accomplishments was turning a vision she had pursued since 2009 into reality by establishing R.A.D. as a for-credit academic course at KSU. Beginning in fall 2026, students will be able to enroll in the inaugural three-credit-hour R.A.D. course, creating a lasting academic pathway for personal safety education. Her leadership has also increased the number of certified instructors across Georgia, expanding access to high-quality self-defense training and strengthening public safety education throughout the state.

Beyond expanding the program, Heather has mentored and supported countless instructors, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed. Her work has strengthened the department, expanded access to personal safety education, and created opportunities that will benefit students, instructors, and communities across Georgia for years to come.

Marietta Fire Department

Lieutenant Pannell is known throughout the Marietta Fire Department for his strong work ethic, willingness to help, and investment in the success of those around him. Currently assigned to the Suppression Division, he continues to build on the experience he gained while serving as the lead instructor for fire recruit classes in the Training Division. There, he helped prepare the department’s newest firefighters by sharing his knowledge and setting high expectations, earning the department’s Fire Officer of the Year award for his contributions.

Training has remained one of Lt. Pannell’s greatest strengths. He has instructed numerous department programs, including driver training, search operations, and live fire training, while continually finding new ways to make learning more engaging and effective. Whether developing training videos, creating educational resources, or designing a drug dosage app to improve efficiency for department paramedics, he looks for practical ways to make the department better. He also volunteers his time on committees, assists with special projects, and supports the Marietta Firefighter Support Fund through fundraising events and by sharing his musical talents.

Lt. Pannell is someone his fellow firefighters know they can rely on. Whether helping train the next generation of firefighters, improving department resources, or stepping up wherever help is needed, he consistently leaves the department stronger than he found it and has made a lasting impact on his community.

Marietta Police Department

Since becoming supervisor of the Marietta Police Department’s detective unit nearly two years ago, Sgt. Duncan has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to developing his personnel. Although he had no prior investigative experience, he approached the role with humility, learning alongside his detectives and earning their respect. Under his leadership, the unit has become more organized, communicative, and effective.

Sgt. Duncan leads by example and encourages his detectives to learn, work together, and improve their skills. His leadership has strengthened the detective unit by improving communication, collaboration, and overall effectiveness.

Marietta Police Department

In the early morning hours of March 12, 2026, Officer Jake Johnson responded to a serious traffic crash involving a motorcycle on Whitlock Avenue. Upon arrival, he immediately recognized that the motorcyclist was critically injured and began providing lifesaving care. After identifying a sucking chest wound, Officer Johnson applied a chest seal, continued assessing the victim for additional injuries, and cut away the rider’s clothing to complete his assessment. He then relayed critical medical information to Marietta Fire personnel upon their arrival. According to the lead EMS provider, Officer Johnson’s actions were instrumental in the patient’s positive outcome and played a vital role in the emergency response.

After transferring patient care to Marietta Fire, Officer Johnson immediately shifted his attention to preserving the crash scene. Despite rainy conditions that threatened to destroy critical evidence, he quickly documented the scene through photographs before the evidence could be lost. His ability to seamlessly transition from providing lifesaving medical care to protecting key evidence demonstrated sound judgment, composure, and dedication throughout the incident.

Officer Johnson’s actions that morning exemplify the qualities expected of a public safety professional. His quick thinking, decisive response, and attention to detail made a meaningful difference in both the care provided to the victim and the subsequent investigation.

MetroAtlanta Ambulance

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.

Powder Springs Police Department

Officer Ricardo Liddie is nominated for the Outstanding Contribution Award for his commitment to serving the Powder Springs community beyond his normal law enforcement duties. He consistently works to help residents facing financial hardship, homelessness, and personal crises by connecting them with local resources and providing support long after the initial call for service has ended. His approach has strengthened relationships between the Police Department and the community while reinforcing the department’s commitment to service.

A notable example of Officer Liddie’s dedication involved assisting an individual experiencing significant financial hardship. After recognizing the person’s immediate needs, he coordinated with community partners to secure approximately $300 in gift cards to help with essential expenses. Rather than simply handling the call, he remained involved until meaningful assistance was provided. He regularly takes similar steps to connect vulnerable residents with available services and resources that can improve their circumstances.

Officer Liddie consistently demonstrates that a police officer’s impact extends beyond responding to calls for service. His ability to identify community needs, bring together available resources, and follow through until those needs are met has made a positive difference in the lives of many residents.

Puckett EMS

Jacob Bowie has consistently demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment and the ability to remain calm in the most challenging situations. Those qualities were on full display during a July 2025 call involving a 30-week gestation infant delivered unexpectedly during a spontaneous home birth. Drawing on specialized training from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Jacob quickly recognized the severity of the situation and implemented advanced resuscitative measures. His actions resulted in the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), giving the newborn a chance at survival during an exceptionally rare and complex emergency.

The same dedication Jacob brings to patient care is evident in everything he does. He mentors new employees, helps train coworkers, and is always looking for practical ways to improve ambulance operations. His creativity has led to the design of equipment that improves ambulance organization and efficiency, making day-to-day operations better for EMS crews. Whether responding to critical emergencies or finding ways to improve the service his team provides, Jacob consistently puts others first and has become a trusted resource for both his coworkers and the community.

Smyrna Fire Department

Captain Tim George has played a key role in advancing emergency medical services within the Smyrna Fire Department through his work as EMS Director. During the nomination period, he completed his Master of Public Administration degree and earned the Chief EMS Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, further strengthening the department’s EMS program. He also successfully developed and implemented the department’s long-awaited narcotics program, a project that required extensive planning, policy development, and coordination and significantly improved the department’s ability to provide timely patient care.

George is equally committed to developing others and improving emergency medical services beyond his own department. He continues to teach EMT and Advanced EMT courses, mentors, and helps strengthen clinical knowledge throughout the organization. He has also led community initiatives such as Stop the Bleed and is helping expand public AED awareness and placement throughout the city. In addition, he serves on the Region III EMS Council, the Georgia EMS State Advisory Committee, and chairs both the Metro Atlanta EMS Academy and the MAEMS Speaker Committee, helping guide EMS education and policy across the region.

Whether improving department operations, mentoring future EMS providers, or strengthening community preparedness, George consistently looks for ways to make emergency medical services better. His efforts have improved patient care, expanded training opportunities, and strengthened EMS throughout both the Smyrna Fire Department and the broader Georgia EMS community.

Smyrna Fire Department

Engineer Paramedic Chris Weaver has made a significant impact on the Smyrna Fire Department through his willingness to step into a critical administrative role when the department needed additional support. Serving as the EMS Specialist on C Shift, he transitioned from his normal 24-hour shift schedule to a full-time assignment in the Training Division for nearly a year. During that time, he served as the lead instructor for both EMT and Advanced EMT classes, mentored new providers, earned his Advanced EMT Instructor Coordinator certification through the Georgia Department of Public Health, and coordinated a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) course that expanded the department’s emergency response capabilities.

Beyond training, Weaver led several projects that strengthened the department’s EMS operations. He developed improvements to the department’s high-security medication locker system, resulting in department-wide cost savings and increased efficiency, while also overseeing the distribution of medical supplies and helping maintain regulatory compliance. Working closely with the EMS Director, he streamlined administrative processes that improved daily operations and ensured the department remained prepared and compliant.

Weaver willingly stepped away from his regular assignment and adapted to an entirely different work schedule to meet the department’s needs. His efforts strengthened the department’s training program, improved EMS operations, and helped prepare both current and future personnel to provide the highest level of care to the community