December 22, 2017
Board of
Commissioners
Accountability Court Holds Graduation for Drug Court Program
Regular Meetings Jan. 3, 2018 9:00 AM Jan. 17, 2018 6:30 PM
Meetings held at: Administration Building Community Room 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Regular Commission meetings air daily on Henry TV Charter Channel 180 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.
The Henry County Accountability Court held a graduation for seven participants of its Felony Drug Court and Mental Health Program on December 14, 2017. The ceremony was held in courtroom B of the Henry County Courthouse. Members of the Drug Court Program celebrated their success after participating in an extensive twoyear long, five phase process in which they were required to be surveilled by the Sheriff’s Department, subjected to random drug screenings, scheduled meetings with a case manager and worked at least 20 hours a week all while remaining sober and drug free. Superior Court Judge Brian Amero, who presides over the Accountability Court system, lauded the participants’ willingness for help and
assistance. “We can offer you the help, but if you don’t accept the help, nothing will happen,” said Amero. “And these people right here have accepted the help. These people right here have made a change in the lives of their families, in the lives of their friends. I’ve seen them every Thursday for two years, and I am very proud of them.” As a result of Accountability Court Programs across the state, Georgia has saved $75 million in 2016 alone and Henry County taxpayers saved over $1.14 million since the Drug Court Program began in 2011. Those savings were due in part to reduced recidivism and less incarceration costs. The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, said that the significant cost savings for tax payers Continued on page 2
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December 22, 2017 Accountibility Court Continued from page 1
Published by Henry County Communications & Public Information Department Henry County Government
Editor Melissa Robinson
Graphic Designer Meredith Butler
Layout Designer
is only a small part of the equation as it relates to the Accountability Court Systems. The bigger picture stands with the success of every person leading lives of prosperity and achievements. “You are now ready to re-enter into society and you are equip with the tools necessary to ensure success. I want to congratulate you and I am certainly inspired by your commitment and by the stories that I have heard today,� said Kemp. For more information on the Accountability Court System, please call 770-288-6223 or visit the Henry County Resource Court webpage.
Melissa Robinson Meredith Butler
Contributors Melissa Robinson Erika Richards Kevin Williams
Warm Straw for Cold Paws
Keep your outside pets warm with wheat straw The Henry County Animal Care and Control Department is giving away one bale of straw this winter season for outdoor pets that need extra protection from the chilly temperatures during cold months. Henry County residents are able to receive one bale of straw per household and can be picked up during normal business
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hours at the Henry County Animal Shelter. Wheat straw is a great way to add insulation to dog houses and feral cat boxes. The Animal Shelter is located at 527 Hampton Street in McDonough. For more information, please call 770288-7387.
HCPD Swears-in New Officers
Deputy Chief Mark Amerman congratulates the county’s newest officers. Pictured (left to right) Amerman, and officers Josef Harrison, Chris Jones, Chevely Gonzalez, Sirdarius Benton and Jason Love.
The Henry County Police Department added five new officers to its ranks after a swearing-in ceremony held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Public Safety Headquarters in McDonough. The new officers graduated from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, after 12 weeks of training at the academy. The officers will receive an additional ten weeks of training with a Field Training Officer (FTO) within the department.
The five new graduates are Josef Harrison, Chris Jones, Chevely Gonzalez, Sirdarius Benton and Jason Love. Officer Love received the Community Service Award for bringing attention to the issue of Homeless Veterans in the area. Love was also recognized with the Academic Award. The officers were sworn in by Deputy Chief Mark Amerman immediately following the graduation ceremony.
Deputy Chief Mark Amerman and Officer Jason Love, who was honored with the Community Service Award.
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December 22, 2017 Henry County to Update Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Input Sought to Update the 5-Year Plan The Henry County Emergency Management Agency is holding a kickoff meeting for public input on January 10, 2018 to begin the process of updating the Henry County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will be held at 11 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 526 Industrial Blvd. in McDonough. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about how they can contribute to the plan. Every five years, Henry County, along with other state and local government entities, is required under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, to submit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) a current Hazard Mitigation Plan for approval. Henry County’s plan, which was last updated in 2013, is up for renewal in the coming year, which is why the Henry County Emergency Management Agency has contracted with the Atlanta-based engineering and consulting firm, Atkins Global, for emergency management consultant services. A Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines the types of natural and man-made hazards for which a community is most at risk, as well as documents a community’s hazard history. The plan assesses how a community can minimize the effects of those hazards and protect citizens through prevention, resource protection,
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structural projects, emergency services and public outreach programs. According to Henry County’s Hazard Mitigation Plans, there are both natural and technological hazards for which Henry County is particularly vulnerable. The natural threats are severe thunderstorms, winter storms, tornadoes, drought, earthquake, hurricanes and tropical storms, flooding and wildfires. Technological threats include hazardous materials releases and dam failures. In addition to the importance of having a response plan in place to handle emergencies, maintaining a current Hazard Mitigation Plan also helps to ensure funding eligibility. “By the county maintaining its Hazard Mitigation Plan, it will maintain eligibility for disaster grant funding and bring money back to the community,” said Margaret M. Walton, Project Manager with Atkins Global. “This will ensure that the county maintains disaster preparedness, response and recovery.” For more information on the kickoff meeting or to reserve a spot, please contact Henry County EMA Specialist Shelita Broomfield at sbroomfield@co.henry. ga.us or call 770-288-7865.
Community Cares Christmas Toy Shop Brings Christmas Joy to County Children Henry County children will enjoy their Christmas holiday this year thanks to Henry County and Connecting Henry’s Community Cares Christmas Toy Shop that took place on December 7 and 8 at Henry County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in McDonough. The EOC was transformed into Santa’s magical toy shop which helped provide Christmas gifts and other resources to families and more than 900 children in need this holiday season. Henry County employees who volunteered at this event did everything from setting up the toy shop,
to acting as personal shoppers and hosts. Volunteers spent hours creating a one-of-a-kind toy shop resulting in an enchanted experience. Employees, along with local churches, civic organizations and individuals donated both time and money to make Christmas brighter this year for area children. Connecting Henry serves client year-round and donations are always welcome and appreciated. For more information or to donate, log on to at connectinghenry.org, call 770-288-6221 or email connhenry@co.henry.ga.us.
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December 22, 2017 Senior Officials Train for All-Hazards Preparedness County commissioners and elected officials from both the cities of Stockbridge and Hampton, along with members of the Henry County Government leadership team, took part in a Senior Officials Workshop for all Hazards Preparedness. The day-long training was held on December 12 at the Henry County Emergency Operations Center and was conducted by Jay Moeller and Don Ogden with Texas A&M, on behalf of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Topics and exercises included strategic planning, crisis communication, policy decisions, integrated relationships and other topics regarding emergency preparedness. Participants had an opportunity to work on escalating scenarios, and learn new techniques for response and preparedness, along with the importance of policy-making in emergency preparedness.
Henry County LEPC Hosts Holiday Luncheon The Henry County Local Emergency Planning Committee, or LEPC, held its annual holiday luncheon for members last week. Lunch was sponsored by Colonial Pipeline and Chairman Jonathan Burnette, Battalion Chief with the Henry County Fire Department, recognized several members for their dedication to the committee. The LEPC is comprised of county and city officials, along with members of the community and local businesses, who develop, plan and to help ensure expertise in all aspects of emergency response. For more information or to become a member, please call 770-288-6600.
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