GPD Investigator Bryan Clanton was presented with the Community Service Award for his involvement in a number of communitywide programs as well as his work as a law enforcement officer.
“I was humbled when my nomination letter was read to me,” Clanton said. “A group of really wonderful teenagers wrote it, but it was shocking to learn just how closely they had been watching me. I never realized until now how my words and actions affected them.”
Because of his dedication to duty during his first year of law enforcement, GPD patrolman Bryan Jones was recognized as a finalist for Rookie of the Year. His nomination letter stated that “he holds himself to a higher standard and stands out among his peers.”
“I was surprised when I learned of the nomination,” Jones said. “I don’t go to work and expect to win awards. I just always try to do what is right for the community.”
GPD Cpl. Daniel Jett and GPD patrolman Jonathan McGehee were named as finalists for Officer of the Year. Both were nominated as the result of a December incident in which they risked their lives when called to the home of a mentally ill man who attempted suicide. When the officers thwarted his first attempt at suicide, he tried to force the officers to kill him.
“They exercised great discretion and used tactics that led to the situation ending without the use of deadly force and the man received the medical help he needed,” Clanton said.
“I am thankful, but I only did my duty that night,” McGehee said. “I’m honored to be nominated, but what I did that night was what any other law enforcement officer would have done.”
“I am just honored to be selected among all those I serve with,” Jett said.
Also nominated for awards were Spalding County Sheriff’s Office deputy Keith Massengale, Georgia State Patrol Senior Trooper Byron Mims and GSP Trooper William Schwab, a finalist for Rookie of the Year.
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office was named Law Enforcement Agency of the Year.
The banquet was held at Fayetteville First Baptist Church.
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