Hometown Heroes

We salute our

Thank You After Hours Emergency Repairs or Board-ups; Commercial window and door hardware replacement, Safety Glass, Residential Glass Replacement, Double Pane Glass, Clear & Tinted Glass, Custom Mirrors, Custom Shower Enclosures, Custom Glass Shelves, Beveled Glass, Pattern and Designer Glass, Sand - Blasted Designs in Glass, Plexi-Glass, Lexan, Wireglass, Fire Rated Glass, Bullet Resistant Glass, and much more.

We also specialize in Glass Replacement for: Automotive, Farming & Heavy Equipment, RVs, Campers, and Semi Trucks.

The ONLY Glass Company in your community out to make a living, not a killing!

After

Hours

Glass Service, LLC.

24 Hours a Day 7 Days a week

912-764-8368

www.glassreplacementstatesboro.com

Locally owned by Vincent Kelly, and operated with the expertise of over 27 years of experience with Project Manager Mike McCollum and Equipment Manager Quentin Reed.

Parking Lot Striping and Restriping, Handicap & Parking Signs, Thermo, and Wheel Stops

www.RoadStripingStatesboro.com RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL QUICK RESPONSE AVAILABLE LICENSED & INSURED Servicing Statesboro and surrounding areas,

912-871-7311

2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 | statesboroherald.com

Hometown Heroes

OUR HOMETOWN HEROES GO THE EXTRA MILE!

ThankYouTo Our Local Heroes.

Hometown Heroes

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 – 3

Local 911 emergency services statesboro Police DEPARTMENT 25 W. Grady Street • (912) 764-9911 Patrol Car: Black and gray; though you may see an occasional blue-and-white car or an all-black car, those are being phased out Ticket info: Statesboro Police Department tickets must be paid at the Statesboro Municipal Court, located on the corner of South College and West Grady streets. If tickets are not paid in a timely manner, you will be summoned to police court where late fines may be applied in addition to the original traffic violation fine.

Bulloch County Sheriff’s office U.S. 301 North • (912) 764-8888 Sheriff Lynn Anderson (through Dec. 31) Patrol Car: White with reflective green striping Ticket info: A ticket from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Dept. can be paid at the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office on U. S. 301 North. If the ticket isn’t paid on time, it could be assigned to one of various courts, where additional fines may be levied.

Georgia State Patrol U.S. 301 South • (912) 688-6999 Sgt. 1st Class Brad Mosher

Patrol Car: Dark gray Ticket info: If you receive a ticket from a GSP Trooper, pay it at the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office on U.S. 301 North. State Troopers have statewide jurisdiction, except for military installations. They primarily patrol the interstate and provide SWAT responses to rural areas. Troopers focus on traffic violations such as D.U.I., erratic driving and speeding, and investigate traffic accidents on county roads. Remember, state of Georgia has a “superspeeder” fine. Drivers traveling 85 mph or more on divided highways or 75 mph or more on two-lane roads will be subject to an extra $200 fine above the regular citation amount.

Drivers who don’t pay within 90 days risk license suspension. Monies raised from the super speeder fines assist funding Georgia’s network of trauma care hospitals.

Statesboro Fire Department

24 West Grady Street • 1533 Fair Road

(912) 764-3473

Chief Tim Grams Fire protection in Statesboro is provided by a full-time fire department with 36 fulltime firefighters, 12 part-time firefighters and an administrative staff of about 14. The Statesboro department also extends fire protection to an area around the city.

Homeowners in this fire district are assessed an additional millage rate but receive a discount on their homeowners insurance. The department has two stations and plans to add at least one more.

Bulloch County Fire Department 17245 U.S. 301 N. • (912) 489-1661 Chief Christopher Ivey Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn

Bulloch County’s full-time fire department consists of 13 fire substations manned by volunteers. The department serves rural areas of Bulloch County, including Portal, Stilson, Brooklet and Register. The substations help lower ISO ratings and provide quick response in emergencies.

Statesboro Police Department

The Statesboro Police Department is committed to serving Statesboro and Bulloch County with the highest standards of professional excellence.

We are also committed to establishing effective partnerships with all stakeholders within our community to create a better quality of life.

Become engaged in helping Police and staying informed by learning how to participate through TipSoft (www.tipsoft.com) , Crime Reports (www.crimereports.com), NIXLE (www.nixle.com), P2C (p2c.statesboroga.gov), and the Citizens Police Academy and Youth Citizens Police Academy Programs.

Thank you to the men and women who serve the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County for the outstanding job they do.

Bulloch County Public Safety “First in Safety & Service” Recognizes the dedicated employees and volunteers of: • Animal Shelter & Humane Enforcement • Bulloch County Fire and Rescue • Emergency Medical Service Station 1 and Station 7 • Emergency Management • 911 Services

Thank you!

On A Job Well Done From: Ted Wynn.............................................................. Director Lee Eckles .............................................Assistant Director Doug Vickers ....................................................EMS Chief Kelly Barnard ...................................................... 911 Chief Christopher Ivey ............................ Fire and Rescue Chief Wendy Ivey ................................. Animal Shelter Manager Joey Sanders.................................. Humane Enforcement Supervisor

Our company's success depends upon the confidence and trust that the "Best customers in the 'Boro'" bestow on us. e will continue to give the best service possible.

Thanks to all who help make our business a success.

Thank You to Our

HOMETOWN HEROS Owners Frankie and Roy Kennedy

865-2969

KENNEDY’S

Heating & Air 21249 HWY 80 W. • STATESBORO GA REG. CU400200

Hometown Heroes

4 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 | statesboroherald.com

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR HOME TOWN HERO’S

Sniper competition SPECIAL

Bulloch County Crime Suppression Team Investigator Jim Riggs and Master Deputy Jeff Thompson placed third in the Andrew Sullens Georgia State Sniper Competition held recently. The event consisted of 14 events over four days, including: night firing out to 700 yards, ranges from 200 to 1000 yards, stalking, and pistol skills.

They competed against members of the Georgia State Patrol Swat Team as well as various military sniper teams with much more modern weaponry and equipment. Shown, from left, are Jim Riggs, Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown, and Thompson, a school resource deputy.

Call us today for all your waste hauling needs!

We cover all of Southeast Georgia!

Commercial • Residential • Industrial Construction • Cardboard • Recycling

877-490-7336 or 912-852-5700

LIVING ROOM & HALL FOR

74.95!

$

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown and the many men and women of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office would like to Salute the Hometown Hero’s

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!

912-489-8182

22831 US Hwy., 80 E · Statesboro, GA • www.carpetcleaningstatesboro.com

Hometown Heroes

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 – 5

New faces in high places Bulloch elects new sheriff, Statesboro brings in police chief

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Five months into the job, Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown has begun making changes he hopes will improve the department.

After an intense campaigning period that divided the department into two camps – one supporting former chief deputy Jared Akins in the race and others behind Brown – things have calmed down to a positive working environment, he said. “We have broadened the criminal investigations division, we’re working on road patrol. We are still two positions short.”

He hopes to soon return to a seven-man per shift situation, but budget cuts in the past had the department well below the desired number of deputies. “We have five to six per shift now, and I’d love to see 10 per shift, but we do have a budget,” he said.

He moved his office to the front, across from communications, and said if he is in the office, visitors are welcome.

Brown installed Deputy Clay Williams as the “lobby deputy” – whose duty is to remain at the office and take reports from people who walk in.

He also has two full time armed transport deputies, where in the past prisoner transport was handled by jail staff.

The Crime Suppression Team is at full force with five investigators, and while jail staff “fluctuates,” Brown hopes to stabilize that soon. “The jail is the hub of the office.” He said he is addressing concerns from residents about the hail and meets with inmates about issues whenever they request it.

Brown plans to have open meetings for all staff weekly, “with everybody a part of it,” and intends to reinstate “bimonthly breakfasts with other law enforcement agencies, networking, talking and

At the end of his first month leading the Statesboro Police Department Chief Mike Broadhead is “overwhelmed” by the “generosity and spirit of welcome” Statesboro has shown the newcomer from Riverton, Wyoming.

He was police chief there for seven years before Statesboro city officials lured him to the Boro, ending an 18-month search for the right candidate for the job.

Broadhead’s wife of 20 years, Kristen, will move here soon with the couple’s two teenage sons — Jack, 16, and Cole, 13. They remained behind in Wyoming until the school year ended.

Broadhead is leading a department of 75 employees, with a capacity of 86. He hopes to alleviate issues with retention and understaffing through scheduling changes, giving officers more choices, and allowing them the chance to have input in policy development, he said.

The department consists of 63 sworn officers and 12 civilian personnel, but is budgeted for 74 sworn officers, giving it a total workforce of 86 when fully staffed.

“We’re in good shape,” he said. “There are some things we need to address.”

Changing scheduling should alleviate overwork, and including one training day per month in the regular schedule, not overtime, is one addition he will be making, he said.

Only 20 training days per year are mandated, but Broadhead said his officers will have 100 days of training.

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown exchanging information while enjoying a sausage biscuit.”

One thing he hopes to change isn’t just local; Brown doesn’t like seeing mentally ill or people with health issues in jail.

‘If it takes the last breath in my body, jails will stop being used as medical or mental health facilities and a state prison,” he said. “t is one of the biggest problems in the state of Georgia and we need all the help we can to change it.”

Born in Bulloch County and raised in Portal, Brown is divorced and father to daughter Dakota, 21, and stepson Dylan, 24.

He graduated from Portal High School in 1988 and has been in law enforcement 23 years. Now 47, he left after graduation to join the Air Force from 1989-1993, where he fueled airplanes during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Brown completed basic law enforcement training at what was then Armstrong State College, and joined the Georgia Southern University Police Department in1993. He began work with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office as a

road patrol deputy in 1998, receiving field training officer certification in 2002, then promoted to corporal and shift supervisor in 2006.

He was assigned to the BCSO Court Services Division in 2011, working at the courthouse. In 2012, he was transferred to that division’s civil and warrants section.

In 2015, Brown was promoted to sergeant.

Brown is also certified by the state to work as a jailer.

He didn’t change much about himself when he took over as sheriff. Brown still drives he same patrol car he did as a deputy — a 2011 Dodge Challenger with 117,000 miles and no special detail making it stand out as the “sheriff’s” car. He also wears a uniform like his deputies.

“There are more important things, such as taking care of our deputies and your safety,” he said.

He denied deserving recognition in the Statesboro Herald’s Hometown Heroes tabular.

“You know what a hometown hero is? They aren’t with us anymore,” he said.

Bill Black new chief deputy

By Holli Deal Saxon hbragg@statesboroherald.com

When Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown took office in January, he already knew who would be his chief deputy - a man he knew was stable, could keep his head in challenging situations, and who gets along with everybody.

Bulloch County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bill Black has proven his dependability time and time again throughout the years, Brown said. “He is always so supportive and very helpful. If he doesn’t know the answer to something, he will tell you – then he will find it out.”

Black didn’t start out with a childhood dream of being in law enforcement, although his grandfather Henry Black was a police chief in Sylvania long ago. That might have had some influence, but it all started with Black when he took a part time job as a jailer under former Bulloch County sheriff Arnold Ray Akins.

He also worked as a dispatcher for the sheriff’s office while he attended Georgia Southern University, where he achieved a bachelor’s degree in history. Black is a history buff, he admits; reading history books is how he spends his spare time.

He joined the National Guard right out of high school, and after graduation from college in 1990, he began working full time as a deputy. He worked under former GSU chief Ken Brown, who said Black started out as a sergeant and was promoted to detective.

In 2001 Black returned to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator, and not long afterward was involved in a tragic struggle with a burglary suspect that

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Bill Black of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office was named Chief Deputy after 20 collective years of service in the department. ended with Black wounded and his coworker, Sgt. Wilbur Berry, killed.

The suspect, found in an abandoned house, started fighting deputies and somehow grabbed a gun. Shots were exchanged, and the suspect was killed. Berry died of his wounds and Black suffered gunshot wounds in his chest and shoulder.

It was a dark time for the department, he said, recalling several fellow deputies whom he said influenced him greatly.

“Bennie Rushing, Carl Sammons, Wilbur (Berry) and Charlie Hendrix- they were such good guys,” he said.

The office has a friendly, family atmosphere” when they were around. “The people I work with have been good from the beginning.”

Black served as an investigator for the sheriff’s office until his promotion in January.

As chief deputy, Black has a great deal of training under his belt, including being a certified crime scene technician, certified state corrections officer

and having many other law enforcement qualifications.

What makes him a great chief deputy, however, is his attitude, Sheriff Brown said.

“He is level headed, humble and kind,” he said. “He doesn’t lose his temper and has been a great help to many people.”

Black’s decision-making capabilities and the fact “he can talk to anyone made him the reasonable choice for chief deputy, he said.

Ken Brown echoed the sheriff’s words.

Black “has the kind of disposition you need as a chief deputy,” he said. “He is real steady, doesn’t get too high or too low, and makes good decisions.”

Black said he enjoys his job and working with his coworkers as well as Bulloch County residents. “The community supports law enforcement,” he said.

Married to wife Christie, the couple has a daughter, Andie Jane, age 2 ½. They attend Compassion Church in Statesboro.

Statesboro Police Department Chief Mike Broadhead “Ongoing training all the time” will benefit officers as well as the citizens they keep safe, he said. “Academy can’t be the end of it — it has to be where it starts.”

The new chief is still learning “names, cultures, policies and prodecures,” He said it is “fun, but very busy — a good busy.”

Not long after he was hired, Broadhead described the kind of policing he hopes to bring to Statesboro.

“What people really need from their police department is to be treated fairly and equitably, and that's what the police department can provide, regardless of the demographics of poor, rich, old, young or different ethnic or racial backgrounds," he said. "They all should have the expectation of equal treatment from their police, and I think that piece translates very well, regardless

of ethnicity or birthplace."

Broadhead has 29 years of police work under his belt, and before that, he served from age 18 in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. He has a master’s degree in public administration from American Public University and a graduate certificate from the School for Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.

He spent 21 years with the Littleton, Colorado police department, where he rose through the ranks as patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, traffic sergeant, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant and staff services lieutenant before leaving for Riverton in December 2009.

He enjoys spending time with his family and helping pursue their interests; Jack enjoys gold, Cole plays Baseball and Kristen enjoys horseback riding.

Hometown Heroes

6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 | statesboroherald.com

Local foundation funds SPD armor Seized assets cover other half of costs for plate vests

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

The Statesboro Police Officers Foundation, led by local business people and civilian professionals, has granted the Statesboro Police Department $8,000 for additional body armor, in the form of vests called ballistic plate carriers with hard armor plates, for all of its officers.

This will be roughly half the total, a little more than $16,000, needed to buy 74 or 75 of the vestand-plate sets for the department, which if fully staffed would have 74 sworn officers. The remainder will come from the department’s seized assets fund, so the purchase will have no impact on the city’s tax-supplied general fund, SPD Deputy Chief Robert W. Bryan told City Council.

Nick Propps, president of the Statesboro Police Officers Foundation, stood beside Bryan as both spoke

briefly to the council, which unanimously approved accepting the $8,000 grant.

The foundation was formed in 2015 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable corporation.

“In the recent climate that we’ve

had, t h e re’s been a lot of turbulence in law enforcement, and some people said we want to help make things better,” Propps said.

Propps is also president of the real estate firm Statesboro Properties. Dirk Totten of the food brokerage company Southern Harvest Holdings was the foundation’s previous president. Several other business owners and executives, two lawyers and the county school superintendent are also board members.

When the P o l i c e Department has a significant need that is not fully funded, foundation members raise money specifically to help purchase equipment or a ccessor i es, Propps said.

“It’s really just another group that can help pitch in, offer support, improve community relations and help facilitate whatever the Police Department may need,” he said. “If an officer

is sick or injured, we’re also another resource for that, to help take care of that officer and their families.”

Added armor Not to be confused with the soft body armor that SPD officers usually wear, the plate carriers are vests that will hold armor plates in the front and back. The plate material is abrasionresistant steel. Bryan referred to this as equipment for responding to “active shooter” and similar situations.

“Typically with your active shooters, a lot of times it’s a long gun, a rifle, and the soft body armor is going to be defeated by a rifle, where this hard armor, most of the plates, the AR 500 steel, will protect up to a certain rifle round,” he said in an interview.

Bryan had obtained price quotes of $16,275 for 75 plate carriers and sets of front and rear plates from Clyde Armory in Athens; $16,650 for 74 carrier and plate sets from a supplier in

Greensboro, North Carolina; and $18,014.25 for 75 sets from a third supplier in St. Petersburg, Florida.

After serving since October 2015 as the Statesboro Police Department’s interim chief, Bryan remains in that role pending the scheduled April 17 arrival from Wyoming of Charles “Mike” Broadhead, recently hired as the new police chief.

Bryan will continue as the department’s second-incommand.

He encourages citizens to learn more about the foundation.

“I can’t say enough about them,” Bryan said.

“They meet every month, and all of these business owners are giving their time for this cause, and not just in the meetings.”

The foundation’s website is www.

StatesboroPolice.org, or look up “Statesboro Police Officers Foundation” on Facebook. The website provides a mail-in donation

form but does not accept online donations.

Other activities The 50 percent grant toward the plate carrier sets is one of the foundation’s major projects for the year, Propps said.

“We’re just really excited to be able to equip all of the officers in the P.D. with this extra protection to help make them safer whenever they have calls to go to that are extremely dangerous,” he said.

The foundation supports the department’s annual Tactical Leadership Challenge, or TLC, an obstacle course event that serves as a fundraiser. SPD officer-of-the-quarter and of-the-year awards come with foundation-sponsored plaques and gifts. The nonprofit also supports a program called Cars4Kids, supplying toy cars officers give away to children.

Members will be raising money to assist an officer who was in the hospital as of Tuesday, Propps said.

Local, area officers participate in K-9 Challenge

By Holli Deal Saxon hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Local and area law enforcement K-9 teams participated in a national certification event in October during the inaugural K-9 Challenge held in Statesboro.

The National Narcotic Detector Dog Association, or NNDDA, conducted the exercise at Connections Church, said Madison Bridges, spokesperson for the Statesboro Police Department.

Canine teams participating included the Bulloch County Sheriff 's Office, the Statesboro Police Department, the Effing ham Count y Sheriff 's Office, the Chatham County Sheriff 's Office, the SavannahMetro Police Department and the Rincon Police Department.

Bulloch County sheriff ’s Cpl. Kirk McGlamery and Statesboro police Advanced Patrol Officer Kyle Briley, both with the Statesboro-Bulloch County Crime Suppression Team, were approached last summer with the idea of having a national certification hosted here, McGlamery said.

“Franklin Chevrolet

approached (us) wishing to sponsor the first annual K-9 Challenge to support the local law enforcement canine teams,” he said.

“The National Narcotic Detector Dog Association was contacted to provide the standards and certification testing," he added.

Cer t if ic a t ion is required for all K-9 teams.

In all, 14 teams participated in the exercise, including three from Bulloch County: Briley and his dog, Rio; McGlamery and his dog, Max; and Bulloch County sheriff ’s Cpl. Mark Guarino and his dog, Gismo.

The event was held at Connection Church “because it has the space needed for effective certification without disrupting anyone's day-to-day operations,” Bridges said.

“This is a major undertaking for NNDDA to come here and allow us to host this certification and something we are very proud to have an opportunity to be a part of.”

The Statesboro Police Department first presentSCOTT BRYANT/file ed a plaque to the NNDDA in appreciation The K-9 team of APO Kyle Briley and Rio demonstrate their skills for the students during the 2015 Citizens Police of its service, and the cer- Academy. tification exercises folGuarino has been The German shepherd All three local handlers with their dogs’ perforlowed, Bridges said. working with Gismo, a was born in Belgium and, said they were pleased mance.

Briley’s K-9 partner, Belgian Malinois from like Rio, originally trained Rio, has been with the Germany who was origi- with AMK9 professionals Statesboro Police nally trained by UPC K9 in Florida.

Department since June professionals in Savannah, Max is a single purpose 2014. The German shep- since May. Gismo is a narcotic detection canine, herd was born in Germany dual purpose canine certified through the state and originally trained by trained in narcotic detec- of Georgia K-9 Resource AMK9 professional tion, tracking and article Team, and is trained to instructors in Florida. He searches, as well as patrol find marijuana, cocaine, is single purpose narcotic work. heroin, methamphet“This was our first amine and black tar herodetection canine who is nationally certified in patrol certification and in. identifying the odors of our second narcotics cerHe trains weekly and methamphetamine, hero- tification,” Guarino said. has assisted in more than He said the 2 ½-year- 1,000 searches since being in, cocaine and marijuana.

“The certification is old dog “did phenome- assigned to the Bulloch required per policy,” nally in narcotics and did County Sheriff 's Office.

Briley said. “The National exceptionally well in “He did excellent; he Narcotic Detector Dog patrol.” has had very good trainGismo performed well ing,” McGlamery said.

Association is one of the more reputable organiza- in building-clearing too, Max “goes with me Guarino said, finding a 24/7. He is like a pet, but tions in the country.”

He said Rio, who is 4 ½ hidden decoy. you don’t really treat him “He comes home with like a pet. years old, was “exceptional” and did a great job me seven days a week,” he “He loves hunting said. during the certification. drugs” and gets upset “If I’m in the in back when McGlamery has a The officer-canine team trains weekly and yard playing ball, Gismo court day and doesn’t has “logged over 1,000 is there.” take him to work, he said.

Max, 8 years old, has searches since being All three K-9 handlers assigned to the city of been with the Bulloch said they consider their Statesboro K-9 unit,” County Sheriff 's Office dogs partners as well as since September 2013. family members.

Bridges said.

The Statesboro Fire Department is Proud to Serve the Residents in the Statesboro Fire District, and Offers the Following FREE Services:

 FREE Smoke Detector Installation  FREE Home Safety Inspections

 FREE Fire Safety Education for School, Church and Civic Groups  FREE Tours of Our Stations

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (912) 764-3473

Hometown Heroes

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 – 7

Bulloch’s Deputy of the Year Maurice Lester garners 2016 honor

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Law enforcement wasn’t the first career choice for Bulloch County sheriff’s Sr. Deputy Maurice Lester. In fact, he spent 22 years working for a local automobile dealership before a friend talked him into trying something new — and now, six years later, he finds himself the 2016 Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year.

Lester said he doesn’t know why his peers chose him for the honor, but Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown had no hesitation in explaining why Lester deserves the title.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff Brown and Chief Deputy Bill Black abstained from vot- Senior Deputy Maurice Lester of the Bulloch County Sheriff's ing, but that doesn’t mean Office was voted 2016 Deputy of the Year by his peers. they don’t recognize Lester’s had a good personality. His “I tell them it is a job I have worth, he said. work ethic is second to none. to do,” he said. I tell them “No matter what needs to He is a go, go, go type of guy.” (being served with papers) is be taken care of at the office, The change from working not the end of the world. he asks, ‘What can I do to at a car dealership to wearing They can either deal with it help?’” Brown said. “Maurice a badge was a big one, Lester now or worry until later.” can speak to anybody, from a said. He began working at the He said he is humbled that small child to an adult. He has jail and was later promoted to his peers have elected him the that ‘verbal judo’ that gets the deputy. He currently serves Deputy of the Year and hopes job done, with respect for civil warrants. to live up to their expectaothers.”

“No one wants to see me tions.

Lester is a Portal native, coming,” he said.

“My parents raised me to born to parents Wyman and Lester says he believes his work hard, and Sheriff Brown Irene Jackson Lester, who Christian background helps (who worked in the civil warwere farmers. He graduated him do his job. rants division before he was from Portal High School in “I always pray before I go elected sheriff in November) 1989 and soon thereafter out,” he said. trained me to follow in his began working for Franklin Treating people with footsteps,” Lester said.

Chevrolet, where he became a respect, even if they may be “Once he got his foot in supervisor and an assistant accused of having done the door, he really started proused car manager. wrong, and even when he is gressing,” said Mashburn, He had been there for two bearing bad news, is impor- who taught Lester in the decades when his friend and tant, he said, paraphrasing police academy after Lester now coworker, Capt. Todd Matthew 7:12 of the Bible: “I decided he wanted to move Mashburn, suggested he give respect and hopefully get up from being a certified jailbecome a sheriff’s deputy. He respect back.” er. did, and according to his For the past six years, “He is a good Christian peers, he is one of the best.

Lester has worked in the civil man who knows how to han“He is a real hard charger,” warrants department, and dle people,” Brown said. “We Mashburn said, recalling why when he serves such things as appreciate him.” he encouraged Lester to apply divorce papers, child custody Lester and his wife, with the Sheriff’s Office. “I’ve papers or bench warrants, “I Meshell, have four adult chilknown him for years, went to try to give (the recipient) con- dren. They attend Whitesville fLDP-3123-17HometownHeroAd2017_3123FMBPoliceBdAd 5/17/17 12:59 PM Page 1 the gym together, and he always fidence,” he said.

Full Gospel Church.

The Bulloch County Board of Education is very appreciative of all that each of our community’s public safety entities do to keep our employees, students and campuses safe. Thank you for your faithful service and vital contributions.

For cops. For kids. For community.

FMB salutes the Statesboro Police Officers Foundation.

All About Bulloch

Front left to right: Sean Davis Trish Tootle Mike Broadhead Nick Propps Brannen Smith

NMSL#1535827

Back left to right: Tracy Hendrix Dirk Totten Cpl. Terrell Lewis Charles Wilson Ty Cobler Not in photo: Lindsey Martin Lovett Bennett Rachel Edwards Rob Bryan

In February, Statesboro police received hundreds of tiny metal cars.

In March, they received dozens of metal-reinforced vests. Both gifts are important to local policing: the toy cars to help reassure kids, the vests for added protection in critical situations. And both were largely due to the Statesboro Police Officers Foundation.

NMLS#498426 LDP-3123-17

Founded in 2015, the Foundation supports the department, its officers and its community outreach with equipment, volunteers, and fund-raising.

“We do everything we can to help, from providing lifesaving vests to supporting injured officers,” says Foundation board member Nick Propps.

To learn more about the Foundation, including how you can help, find them on Facebook, visit StatesboroPolice.org or call 912.681.5000.

And join us in supporting these 2017 Hometown Heroes.

Farmers & Merchants Bank Main Street • Brannen Street • Brooklet

www.FMBnk.com

912-489-2600

Hometown Heroes

8 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 | statesboroherald.com

What do your Hometown Heroes do for you?

911 Center

The staff and volunteers of Ogeechee Area Hospice want to thank all of our many Hometown Heroes serving in Bulloch and surrounding areas.

Not all hospices are the same; ask for us by name.

912-764-8441

The Bulloch County 911 Center fields an average of 5,700 calls per month, about half of which need emergency services assistance. For a charge, Bulloch County also answers and dispatches emergency calls for Candler and Evans counties.

EMS Bulloch County EMS operates eight

Thank You

ambulances a n d average of 60 calls per responds to an average month. of 500 calls per month, transporting on an averBulloch age of 445 of those county calls.

sheriff's

Bulloch County Fire department

office

The Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office patrols The B u l l o c h more than 1,200 miles of County F i r e road, responds to nearly Department operates 500 calls per month and 13 volunteer stations, provides safety and secumanned by 150 trained rity for the Bulloch volunteer firefighters County Court System. using 21 engines. The The jail has a 400-inmate department answers an capacity.

FOR SERVING US ALL IN EMERGENCIES

Proud Sponsors of our

Hometown Heros

You can reach me at:

349 Brampton Ave. • (912) 489-2750 Open 24 Hours • Statesboro

1-800-367-3334 or 404-656-5038 jack.hill@senate.ga.gov • Fax: 404-657-7094 Local Office: 912-557-3811

Bulloch county court system

Bulloch county animal shelter

If you would like to receive our weekly column send your email address to jack.hill@senate.ga.gov

Georgia’s 4th District

The Bulloch County Correctional Institute has the capacity to hold 170 inmates. The institute provides inmates for 47 county work details and provides maintenance for all county vehicles and equipment.

The Bulloch County Court System maintains thousands of paper files and records, operates all county civil and criminal court cases and provides marriage licenses, gun permits, birth certificates and more.

Hometown Heroes

Senator Jack Hill

Bulloch county correctional institute

The Bulloch County Animal Shelter is a last-chance shelter for dogs and cats in need of a home. The shelter is located just off U.S. Highway 301 North, at 81 Mill Creek Road, just outside the Statesboro city limits. New adoptable pets arrive daily.

We Support Save Our for a Rainy Day Hometown Heros!

Dealer

YOUR HUNTING & FISHING HEADQUARTERS

1242 Northside Dr. Statesboro, GA 30458 Next to the Tile Center

(912) 489-3474 www.tc-outdoors.com

and many more!

HOURS Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm Saturday 7am – 5pm

find us on

• Visa Debit Card • Financial Planning • Love My Credit Union Rewards wards • Visa Credit Cards • Kasasa Cash Checking • Vista Choice Checking • Senior Checking LOANS • Home Mortgages • Auto Loans • Personal Loans • Share Secured Loans

STATESBORO BRANCH 620 S. Zetterower Ave Branch Hours: Mon - Thu 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

912 764-4612 www.geovistacu.com *This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration*

Hometown Heroes

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 – 9

Bulloch's Top Gun

By Holli Deal Saxon hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Growing up, Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Corporal Jody Deal was always shooting. If he wasn’t hunting, he was target practicing with his grandfather or having BB gun competitions with his brothers. He enjoys the sport to this day, which might have something to do with his expert marksmanship and being named the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office Top Gun. “Jody has always excelled as a marksman,” said Bulloch County

Sheriff Noel Brown. “And, he is really good at leadership skills, getting people out on the range. It’s nothing for Jody to shoot a 300 — a perfect score.”

Deal came to the department in 1987, after working a year as a Georgia Southern University police officer. He served for 15 years on the Bulloch County Crime Suppression Team SWAT, 14 of those as sniper. He has attended several sniper schools, he said.

But simple target shooting isn’t his cup of tea. He would rather take aim at a moving target, and be on

the move himself as he fires his shots. It is more challenging, he said.

Shooting “Something I’ve always been halfway decent at,” Deal said. “It’s about precision — I don’t like to just stand and shoot — I like the tactical approach, running and shooting, not just planted there with a stationary target.”

On duty, he carries 22 model Glock 40 caliber, but he prefers shooting 1911 .45 caliber handgun.

“It is his personality that gets me — a hard hand, handling situations with a smile on his face,”

Brown said. “He has a caring attitude and always wants to help. There aren’t too many people in Bulloch County who don’t know Jody Deal — you can’t get any better.”

Deal married his high school sweetheart, Melissia Nesmith Deal. The couple has been married 31 years and have two adult daughters — Brittany Deal and Jodilyn Deal Bragg.

When not working or target practicing, Dal enjoys cooking, playing with his dogs, winding down, family time, the beach and the mountains.”

Town of Brooklet

s e t u l Sa

ALL Hometown Heroes,

You make us proud!

912.842.2137

Thanks

to all of our

hometown heroes Statesboro Floor Covering Service 764-2558

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Cpl. Jody Deal of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office was named "Top Gun" during firearms qualifying exercises.

1929 Northside Dr. E., Hwy 80 Statesboro

Excelsior EMC would like to SALUTE our Hometown Heroes.

Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.

(912) 685-2115 or

(912) 764-2123

Hometown Heroes

10 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, May 28, 2017 | statesboroherald.com

Recognize.

The signs of a heart attack can be different in women.

In fact, some women can experience a heart attack with no chest pain at all. So know the signs. If you feel them, get to an emergency room – fast. Call 911 and know that at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, we’re here to help when you need us.

EastGeorgiaRegional.com

East Georgia Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.