Sen. Price was thanked for authoring and introducing

State Bill 175 which, if passed, will elevate the offense of fleeing

or attempting to flee arrest from a misdemeanor to a felony.

During his opening remarks to the award recipients and fellow officers,

he stated, "What you do is so important to the community and to

the quality of life. You serve well and don't always get the thanks

you should."

Dunn opened the award ceremony by highlighting the

important contribution each and every law and emergency

member makes to the community. He introduced each honoree and

listed the accomplishments which resulted in their selection.

Commander Dale Barnett presented each with a framed certificate

from The American Legion honoring their outstanding contribution

to public service.

Commander Dale Barnett noted, "This is the first time

this post has made this type of presentation, although it is a

on-going American Legion program. We hope to make this an annual event."

The Legion had requested that the individual law

enforcement and emergency branches select their top officer to receive

the award. The Fayette County Sheriff's Department,

the Marshal's Office, the Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone

Police Departments, and the Peachtree City, Fayetteville and

Fayette County Fire Departments each chose an outstanding candidate

to be honored and provided the Legion with supporting

documentation for their choice.

The Legion criteria requested that the various

departments choose candidates for sustained superior performance or

individual outstanding acts of bravery or service.

4th District Commander Paul Verden was pleased with the

turnout and the program. "I think it was fantastic and every

Legion should have a similar program to honor police and fire

personnel," he said. "They do a great job

and deserve to be commended."

Asked for his thoughts on the award, Legion member and

Tax Commissioner George Wingo said, "I'm proud of all the

public servants who have been recognized here tonight for

outstanding dedication and meritorious service across our county. They

are all deserving of the accolades given them."

Post members were also informed that they were

number one in the district, having reached and surpassed their

membership goal. Currently the group boasts a membership of 107. The

District covers the entire Southeast including DeKalb, Clayton,

Henry, Spalding, Fayette and other surrounding counties. There are

2,632 Legion members in the Southeast District.

The American Legion meets the second Monday of each

month at the Log Cabin on Georgia Hwy. 85 across from the County

Complex in Fayetteville. For more information, contact John

Dufresne at 770-631-2494.

About the individual award recipients:

, Special Agent Steve Orser , assigned to the Fayette

County Sheriff's Drug Unit, had been instrumental in the seizure of

large amounts of illegal drugs and U.S. currency associated with the

sale and distribution of drugs in Fayette County. In 1998 Orser

was the case agent who, along with other members of the

Fayette County Sheriff's Drug Suppression Task Force, was

responsible for netting the largest seizure of currency within Fayette

County of approximately $99,000.

, Deputy Sheriff Harry "Butch"

Parris was nominated by the Sheriff's Department to

be the Detention Officer of the Year. Lt. Steve Coker wrote that

Parris "will do everything that is asked of him and more, expecting

nothing in return." Parris personally made close to 400 transports

of inmates in 1998, traveling more than 20,000 miles without an

accident or breakdown in security.

, The Marshal's Office of Fayette County chose to honor

Sgt. Earl Williams for the Law Enforcement Officer of the

Year. Williams began working with the Marshal's office in 1996 as

deputy marshal. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and is currently

the evening shift supervisor and is assigned to the Marine Patrol

Unit. He is a volunteer Hunter Safety Education Instructor and

Associate Advisor with the Youth Law Enforcement Explorer Post

273. In 1998 he was voted Deputy Marshal of the Year by his peers.

, Officer David Webb of the Fayetteville Police

Department was commended for his professionalism and dedication on

the job. Additionally, while off-duty he was responsible for

locating and the subsequent arrest of an armed murder suspect.

Webb joined the Fayetteville Police Department in 1997.

, Lt. Terrry Ernst , selected by the Peachtree City Police

Department, served 20 years in the United States Army prior to

joining the police force. He has worked in patrol and the DARE

program. According to Chief Murray, "He is a highly respected officer

, Chief Roger Spencer with the Tyrone Police Department

recommended PFC Alicia Batts for the honor. She was the first

police officer in Fayette County to use the new heart external

defibrillator, restoring life to the victim. Also, while off duty, she

assisted a young female who had been assaulted by three men.

Batts' quick response resulted in the arrest of the three men who

were charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.

, The Peachtree City Fire Department chose

Capt. Stony Lohr to receive the award. Lohr

served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of lieutenant

colonel. While in the military he served as a volunteer with the

Peachtree City Fire Department and became a full-time employee when he

retired in 1992. He achieved the rank of captain and has been

appointed as the department's accreditation manager.

, The City of Fayetteville Fire Department's candidate for

outstanding service was volunteer Lt. Harry

Chamberlin . He has certifications as an emergency

medical technician, hazardous materials technician, inservice

training instructor and fire inspector. In addition to maintaining his

own full-time business, Chamberlin volunteers numerous hours

each week with the fire department.

, Carson Sanders of the Fayette County Department of

Fire and Emergency Services was honored for his outstanding service

as a firefighter and paramedic. He is actively involved in various

departmental projects to improve the quality of the department and

is also actively involved in the Fayette County community to

improve the quality of life. He is a seven year veteran of the

department and is nationally registered as a paramedic and Firefighter

I and II.

<!--##############