4 minute read
Capt. Pete Hossalla
Best of 2022 EFFINGHAM Best of EFFINGHAM PRESENTED BY EFFINGHAM MAGAZ I N E
Readers’ Choice Awards
Best Law Enforcement Officer Capt. Pete Hossalla
Captain Pete Hossalla is proud to be serving and protecting the citizens of Effingham County as the Commander of Patrol Division, Effingham County Sheriff Department. Being voted Best Law Enforcement Officer was a “very nice surprise” he says.
Capt. Hossalla will be celebrating 24 years in law enforcement in December and has been Commander of Patrol Division for the last eight years.
The Patrol Division is a very active department. They answer calls for service, enforce traffic laws (including DUI) and enhance Community Services through Neighborhood Watch, Community Watch and McGruff the Crime Dog.
“Basically, I am in charge of all marked cars and all officers in uniform, including School Resource Officers, the Civil Division, traffic units, and all the patrols. Everything except the jail or detectives,” says Hossalla.
Proud to be in Uniform
His law enforcement career started in Milwaukee County, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1992.
“My dad was a firefighter, and I was inspired by that, so I was looking at either fire or law enforcement as a career. I put in an application at the police department and that was the start of my career.”
After five years, the Hossalla family moved to Georgia where Capt. Hossalla worked for the Springfield Police Department for two years before joining the Effingham County Sheriff Department.
Capt. Hossalla has gone above and beyond by implementing the Sheriff’s Department Annual Awards Banquet, where they honor outstanding officers, and the department’s holiday Turkey Giveaway to needy families in the area. He is also a trained and certified member of the Georgia Peer Support Team, which provides emotional and/or psychological support to fellow first responders who have experienced traumatic events or critical incidents.
“I chose a career I can be proud of. Effingham County is a wonderful county to live and work in,” he says, “I really enjoy the job and having the opportunity to give back in this line of work. “
The Public
“It is our responsibility to react positively with the community, with the hope we get back the same response,” says Capt. Hossalla.
Recently Miss Georgia, Kelsey Hollis, and her mother visited the station and brought everyone hand written thank you cards.
“It was a wonderful thing. A simple thank you is very meaningful,” he says, “It means so much for our officers to hear something uplifting. A simple prayer and a thank you is very much appreciated.”
Loved Ones
The Hossalla family, wife Jaimie, son Landen, 16, and son Jace, 10, includes their son Griffen who passed away at three years old. Capt. Hossalla says losing their son has given him a lot more compassion for people and serving his community, as well as deepening his faith.
“We have had a lot of struggles, and the tragedy of losing our son Griffen. Going through this, and having seen a lot at work, we are finding our way by growing with the Bible and God. God has a plan for me, and I am in the right place in the right job because I really care about people and being there for my guys.”
Plus, he says, “right now Jaimie and I are in the process of DIY home improvements—proving I am better at police work than drywall!” ◆
LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
With two branches located in Springfield and Rincon, Live Oak Public Libraries serves residents of all ages with free access to entertaining educational programming, print publications and digital resources.
Children can enjoy programs like storytime and LEGO Club at both locations, get help with their homework and gain fine-free access to library materials. The Springfield branch hosts a weekly Teen Writers Club for youth ages 12-17 to share their creative writing pursuits.
“Without the library my girls would have missed out on meeting new people, learning how to interact with different personalities, educational activities, and most importantly a love of books.
There is no way I could replicate the learning experiences offered through the library,” said Chair of the Effingham County Library Board Erica Biezenbos. Adults can use the library to achieve their goals, whether it’s finding a new job, learning a new skill or discovering a new book series to read. The library is a key tool in bridging technology gaps. Patrons can use computers and internet at the library or check out a laptop and WiFi hotspot to use at home. For those who want to venture out, the library also has free passes to Georgia State Parks and the Telfair Museums available to check out for a day or weekend trip. SEE ALL OF THE LIBRARY’S UPCOMING EVENTS at liveoakpl.org/programs/effingham
At B Renewed, therapeutic massage isn’t a life luxury, it’s a life necessity in a luxurious atmosphere.
EFFINGHAM MAGAZINE BEST
MASSAGE THERAPY GROUP in Effingham —2022—
Rincon Location
107 Lynn Bonds Ave, Guyton 5805 Hwy 21 South, Suite 200, Rincon