Governor Recognizes 32 Georgians for Acts of Heroism and Contributions to Public Safety

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the recipients of the Governor's Public Safety Awards (GPSA) at a ceremony in Forsyth, recognizing 29 public safety professionals for acts of heroism and three for contributions to the profession. The recipients were given medallions and their names were added to the GPSA monument at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC).

"Georgia is proud to recognize our law enforcement officers and emergency responders for their commitment to Georgia's public safety," said Perdue. "These individuals exhibit courage and dedication every day to keep us safe."

The annual GPSA program began in 1998 to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and commitment of Georgia's public safety community.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Georgia's public safety professionals who risk their lives daily and sacrifice time away from their families to protect our citizens," said J. Dale Mann, GPSA committee chairman and GPSTC director.

The GPSA program recognizes public safety professionals in the following two categories:

• Act of Heroism -- Recognizes those who performed an exceptional deed which resulted in saving lives and/or protecting property
• Outstanding Contribution which Enhanced the Profession -- Job performance which had an overwhelming positive affect on the overall profession

Personnel from each discipline of public safety as well as state employees with public safety authority were eligible to receive the award. Nominations were submitted by local governments, state agencies, associations, police departments, sheriff's offices, correctional facilities, fire departments, 9-1-1 communications, emergency medical services and emergency management agencies.