Wayne Dennard

ACWORTH

POLICE DEPARTMENT

February Brings Department Changes, Events

BY WAYNE DENNARD

February isn’t viewed as a traditionally exciting month. The holidays have passed, and the new year is not so new anymore, but there is a lot going on at the Acworth Police Department! We have exciting upcoming events, as well as some announcements to share.

First, I am pleased to announce Mark Cheatham, a 20-year veteran of the Acworth Police Department, was promoted to the rank of major. Maj. Cheatham’s leadership has been integral to the growth of our agency, and he has outstanding goals and plans for our future. While Cheatham is stepping into the next phase of his professional career, Capt. Stanley Melton will be retiring in March. Melton has spent more than 40 years serving the Cobb County community as a police officer, and we are grateful he has chosen to spend the past 10 years with us. With both captains moving in different directions, it creates an opportunity for others in our agency to advance and move up in the ranks.

In addition to Melton’s retirement, Lt. Kenny King of the detention division will be retiring in April. King joined our department after many years with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. He has led our detention division for nearly seven years, and he will leave us with some very big shoes to fill. Over the next few months, we will see lots of movement and growth, and I am looking forward to watching new leaders develop and emerge. It is an exciting time for our department, and the future looks very bright!

Maj. Mark Cheatham Capt. Stanley Melton Lt. Kenny King

Last month, we opened online registration for our 22nd annual Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA). The response already has been incredible, and spaces are filling quickly. CPA offers the public an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the job knowledge, skills and abilities required of those in the law enforcement community. In the past, CPA students had the opportunity to learn from members of the Acworth Police Department, as well as members of the district attorney’s office, the office of the medical examiner and our dispatchers. One of the highlights of the 12-week classes is the firing range experience. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a police firearms instructor and participate in exercises on the firing range.

At the conclusion of the CPA, there will be a graduation ceremony, and students’ families will be invited for an evening of celebration. After successful completion of the course, participants will be offered the opportunity to schedule a ride along with an Acworth Police officer. Classes are free of charge and meet 6-9 p.m. Mondays. Seating is limited; register at www.acworthpolice.org.

Finally, we are looking forward to the Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Feb. 19 at Cauble Park. The Acworth Police Cadets are raising funds to support the Special Olympics, and if they raise enough, I will join the cadets by plunging with the team into the icy waters of Lake Acworth! If you would like to contribute to the Polar Plunge and help our Acworth Cadets team and the Special Olympics, visit www.classy.org/ team/389973.

Our year is off to a great start, and we have so much to look forward to. For the most up-to-date information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wayne Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.