Local News
Chairwoman Thanks Public Safety
Kennesaw Police Department Capt. Rick Shumpert and Braves outfielder Joc Pederson.
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid thanked all Cobb County public safety officials for their hard work during the World Series games at Truist Park and the Braves celebration parade Nov. 5. The parade started in downtown Atlanta and ended at Truist Park. “I want to send a huge note of thanks to Cobb’s Public Safety personnel and support teams that helped keep the parade, watch party and games at Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta safe and enjoyable,” Cupid said. “Teams from Cobb Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb Sheriff, Department of Transportation, Information Services, Communications and E911 were among those working to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Additional Rental Assistance Available Cobb’s Board of Commissioners approved accepting another $2 million in federal aid to help residents behind in their rental payments. Cobb was eligible for these Emergency Rental Assistance 2 funds because of the “high need” designation. Cobb County has used five nonprofit organizations to help distribute these funds and already has distributed more than $21 million into the community. The county’s efficiency in getting this money to people in need has been recognized on the national level, with the chief magistrate lauding the program in several White House forums. Cobb County could receive an additional $3 million depending upon continuing need. Money is still available. Residents behind in rental payments should visit www.cobbcounty.org/ERA to start the application process.
Kennesaw Police Chief Bill Westenberger, right, and Lateefah Conner, left, of the Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation congratulate Detective Daniel Wood on winning the Officer of the Year award.
Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation Awards Banquet On Nov. 12, the Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation held the Kennesaw Police Department’s 12th Annual Awards Banquet at Governors Gun Club. Life Saving Awards went to Sgt. James Crane and Officer Kasmere Redvine, while Resource Technician Joe Johnson was named Civilian of the Year. The Meritorious Award and Officer of the Year honor went to Detective Daniel Wood. Recipients of the Chief ’s Award are: Lt. Joy Policarpio, Lt. Mark Webster, Sgt. Matthew Meade, Sgt. James Crane, Detective Matthew Kieffer, Officer Justin Webb, Officer Cody Dotson, Officer Erin Bright, Officer Joshua Ange, Officer Franklyn Maloney, Officer David Hubbart and Accreditation Manager Chelsea Charnock.
Drobney Named Citizen of the Year
Mayor Derek Easterling and Citizen of the Year, City Manager Jeff Drobney. 8
AROUND KENNESAW | December 2021
City Manager Jeff Drobney was named the 2021 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year by the Cobb Chamber’s Northwest Cobb Area Council. An active member of the International City/County Management Association, Drobney has continued his professional learning by completing advanced leadership courses and graduating from the Leadership Cobb program. Over the course of 15 years, he has served as president of the Kennesaw Business Association, executive director of the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, agency director for Recreation and Culture and board member for Cobb Travel & Tourism. Citizen of the Year Awards are given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model. Citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live. Awards are given based on local area nominations.
