Great Job Lieutenant Borders!

(April 21, 2010 - Atlanta, Georgia)  Kudos to Lieutenant Steve Borders!  The lieutenant went above and beyond the call of duty to assist a stranded couple and went on to help another couple in the same predicament during the Dogwood Festival.  Of course, in the middle of resolving the situation, he paused to pull over a dangerous driver.

 Here's the story in the citizen's own words:   

On Sunday April 18 my wife (Stacey) and myself (Scott) attended the Dogwood Festival. Upon leaving the event discovered our 2008 Ultra Classic Harley Davidson was missing. Along with every other vehicle parked on that curb.

I immediately returned to the event. Just inside the gate I found Deputy Steve Borders. I introduced myself and told him about my problem. He went to work at that moment over his radio and cell phone trying to get any info possible on the whereabouts of my motorcycle. He provided me with several phone numbers to towing and impound. I tried them with no luck. He then informed me that property division was closed for the day.

He then volunteered to give my wife and I a ride home. We could work on retrieving our motorcycle on Monday. We were very grateful for his generosity. Then he changed his mind and says let's go find your bike. He gave us a ride to ATOW walked inside with us and announced to the clerk on duty we were with him. She immediately looked at our paperwork and said I think your vehicle is on a truck enroute to the facility. Within minutes the vehicle arrived on a roll back truck.

While we were waiting on our vehicle to be unloaded another distraught puzzled couple entered the office. Deputy Borders immediately went to work assisting them on locating their vehicle. Verifying that Property Division was available he then offered that couple a ride and then to return them to ATOW to retrieve their vehicle also.

I am 50 years old and to this day have never experienced such devotion to the public. Deputy Steven Borders was the perfect example of Public Servant! In my opinion going above and beyond the description of public servant. (not to mention the quick traffic stop he executed on I-75 while enroute with us to ATOW) observing a vehicle driving dangerously fast and following to close to his patrol car. The end result of our afternoon was our motorcycle was released to us from ATOW and we had our ride home. Deputy Borders continued to assist the other couple he met at ATOW.

I hope this long note is forwarded to the proper chain of command with our sincere thanks to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. Please feel free to contact me via my email address I supplied or my cell phone number listed above. Thanks again in renewing my faith in Public Service.

Sincerely,

Scott Jackson

Honors for dedicated service

(April 13, 2010-Atlanta, Georgia)  On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, Sheriff Theodore "Ted" Jackson presented awards to members of the Law Enforcement Division for distinguished service to the agency.  The recipients were given award pins to commemorate 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.  The deputies will proudly wear the pins on their uniforms.  Sergeant C. McCrory has been with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office 25 years.

   Award recipients Deputy M. Aldredge, Captain R. Applin, Captain C. Heard, Sergeant J. Farmer and Sergeant W. Henry have served 20 years.  Deputy P. Dunn, Deputy K. Morton, Deputy M. Wilcox, Deputy C. Cost, and Deputy J. Farrar each received pins commemorating 15 years of service.  Congratulations to everyone!

Valentine's Day Sweet Treat in Alpharetta

(February 12, 2010-Atlanta, Georgia)   Love and the smell of a good breakfast were in the air at the Crabapple Senior Center as residents were treated to a Valentine's Day feast by the Sheriff's Community Outreach Section.  On Thursday, February 11, 2010, thirty seniors joined the deputies for a special breakfast prepared by Jail staff to show them the Sheriff's Office cares about them.  The deputies held an interactive chat with the seniors about their safety and shared valuable tips with them.   

There was a festive atmosphere at the center which was decorated with cupids, hearts and lots of red to mark the holiday of love.  Deputies from Community Outreach spent quality time  with the attendees who all had different stories to share.  Some of the residents were transplants from Virginia, New York, and other parts of the country who now call Fulton County home.  One special lady donned a crown of hearts to mark her birthday so this breakfast was a great way to help her celebrate with her friends and the new ones she made from the Sheriff's Office.  

The seniors extended an open invitation to the Sheriff's Office to please visit them again.  Many attendees and the center director expressed how overwhelmed they were by this show of kindness and affection. 

New Jail Administrator Hits The Ground Running 

(February 8, 2010-Atlanta, Georgia)  The new Jail Administrator got down to business on his first day on the job.  Fulton County Sheriff Theodore “Ted” Jackson hired Dennis S. Nelson to serve as the Jail Administrator to handle operations and management of the County’s holding facilities including the jail at 901 Rice Street in Northwest Atlanta.   Sheriff Jackson said, “Dennis Nelson’s appointment comes after an extensive search for the right candidate to run the Fulton County Jail.  He has received numerous accolades in the field of law enforcement during his career which spans 30 years.  His  

experience is a valuable asset for our command staff as we continue to focus on achieving our goals and the important work that must be done at the Fulton County Jail.”

     Dennis Nelson comes to Fulton County after serving many years with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office as Deputy Chief/Lieutenant Colonel/Headquarters Bureau Director.  In that capacity, Nelson commanded the following operations:  Detention Division; Court Services Division; Support Services Division; Court Security; Records Section; GCIC Unit; Property and Evidence Unit; Warrant/Fugitive Unit; Transport Unit, Planning and Research, and Accreditation/Certification Unit.  He was directly involved with the recent design of a new detention facility for Forsyth County. 

     Previously, Nelson was a Captain and the Support Services Division Director for the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office where he was instrumental in developing a department operated and P.O.S.T. approved Mandate Training Academy in cooperation with the Gwinnett County Police Department. Nelson began his law enforcement career as a police officer, having worked for the City of Roswell Police Department and City of Acworth Police Department beginning in 1980.  

     After graduating from Marietta’s Wheeler High School, Nelson always kept learning and finished Bellevue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.   He has also completed numerous courses and programs in management and law enforcement.

All of his notable credentials will be put to good use at the Fulton County Jail which serves the most populated county in the State of Georgia.  The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office recently marked the 20^th anniversary of the 2250-bed Rice Street facility, which officially opened November 11, 1989.  

Storytime is more fun at the Nicholas House thanks to deputies! 

(January 21, 2010 - Atlanta, Georgia)  Deputies from The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Community Outreach Section, delivered new books and panda bears to the Nicholas House for homeless families.  The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has partnered with Borders Books to distribute children's books and bears in our area.  Children at Nicholas House will have access to numerous titles including classics like Charlotte's Web, Curious George, The Cat in the

Hat, to name a few.  The deputies also had new, plush pandas to give away which were also supplied by Borders.   

     For over 26 years, the Nicholas House has played a vital role in the Atlanta Community by guiding more than 1,500 homeless families to self-sufficiency.  Nicholas House is a non-profit agency that provides transitional housing for families in need. The three main goals for clients are: 

1.  Earn a living wage

2.  Maintaining the mental, physical, and social health of parents and children

3.  Maintaining safe and stable housing

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is proud to work with Borders Books and Nicholas House to increase literacy in our community.

Sheriff Jackson spreads Holiday Cheer and promotes literacy

(December 23, 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia)  Sheriff Theodore Jackson and deputies from Community Outreach presented books and bears to children at the Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Center in South Fulton County.  The children were all smiles when they saw the cuddly, stuffed panda bears and stacks and stacks of books. Each child was able to select a book of their very own and take home a new, furry friend.

Borders Books and Music donated the books and bears for the Fulton  County Sheriff's Office to present to the children.   

To show their appreciation, the children presented Sheriff Jackson with big, personalized thank you cards featuring a version of the agency's star.  The children are very creative. 

Sheriff Jackson said he enjoyed being able to give the books to the children and give them the opportunity to see law enforcement officers as positive figures in their lives at an early age.  

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is grateful to Borders Books and Music for helping make this effort possible.  The Borders Group Foundation supports a variety of projects to help support literacy, education, and the fine and performing arts.  To learn more about the company's contributions to our community, go to www.borders.com.

Sharing with others at Thanksgiving 

 December 01, 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia)  More than 100 Fulton County families had a tastier Thanksgiving this year.  The Fulton County Sheriff's Office distributed 100+ boxes filled with a turkey and the ingredients for a hearty, healthy meal.  For example, many boxes included eggs, macaroni, stuffing, collard greens, cake mix, canned vegetables, baking pans, and much more. The Community Outreach Section began organizing this effort months ago in cooperation with the Chaplains that volunteer with the agency. 

Every year, the Fulton Sheriff's Office looks forward to this opportunity to help others who are less fortunate.  And once again, staff members came through with a huge amount of food.  Jail staff filled several large 4-foot tall barrels with canned goods and other items. 

Community Outreach partnered with the Department of Family and Children Services to identify families that could use a helping hand this year.  Other recipients were referred to organizers by employees.  Sheriff Ted Jackson made some deliveries to residents at a senior living facility on Georgia Avenue near Turner Field. 

Court Services Division gathered donations as well.  The staff members distributed boxes to fellow co-workers to help them have a better holiday with their families. 

Deputy II Ingram receives award from BBA

(November 03, 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia) In October, the Buckhead Business Association honored Deputy II Kenny Ingram for his outstanding work in the Court Services Division.  Each quarter, the BBA recognizes personnel in public safety from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the Atlanta Police Department, and Atlanta Fire Rescue.  

     Deputy Ingram was chosen from our agency based upon the way he took charge of a touchy situation in a courtroom earlier this year.   During court, Deputy Ingram was paying close attention to the victim's father.  Suddenly, the deputy noticed that something in the  father's eyes revealed that the man was becoming very upset.  The father stood and Deputy Ingram instructed him to be seated.  In an instant, the father charged Deputy Ingram so the deputy redirected the man's energy.  Deputy Ingram deployed his Taser to subdue the man and at the same time he instructed D.O. Jenkins to remove the defendant from the courtroom.  The man's brother also considered taking on Deputy Ingram but thought better of it. 

     Two Atlanta Police officers were nearby and offered to help but Deputy Ingram had the situation well-under control. 

     We salute Deputy Kenny Ingram for utilizing his intellect, training, and common sense to quickly maintain order during a volatile situation. 

Deputies receive dual honors for service   

(October 19, 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia)  Being a Fulton County Sheriff’s deputy requires among others, strong skills in multitasking but a recent situation called for special maneuvers.  SWAT Team members Deputy Timothy Desrosiers and Deputy John Farrar were honored by two organizations on the same night for the extraordinary service they provided to a 72-year-old woman raising her 2 great-grandchildren with few resources.  The deputies coordinated a massive effort with the Sheriff’s Reserve Unit of volunteer deputies to make the family’s dreams of a better home come true.  After hearing the story about the extreme makeover on the northwest Atlanta home, Feld Entertainment which  produces the show Disney On Ice: Celebrations! saw cause to celebrate Deputy Desrosiers and Deputy Farrar.    

       On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Service Division deputies were the honored guests at a special production of the show and met the cast members.  The company invited the deputies, their families, and the family they helped to the show along with members of the Atlanta Fire Department who were also being recognized for their good works.  

       As those plans were being finalized, Deputies Farrar and Desrosiers received notice that they were being honored by The 300 Club on the same night.  The 300 Club honors public safety personnel for bravery and good character.  This year, the organization bestowed its prestigious awards upon nine law enforcement officers and fire/rescue personnel at a formal dinner at the Piedmont Driving Club.

       Two important events on the same night presented Deputy Desrosiers and Deputy Farrar with an interesting dilemma.  Their children were excited about seeing Disney On Ice at Phillips Arena and they wanted to stay true to their words.  On the other hand, The 300 Club had a wonderful awards ceremony planned to show their appreciation to the deputies for their exemplary service.  After hearing about the predicament, The 300 Club offered to send a car to Phillips Arena to pick up the deputies and a firefighter who was also receiving an award.  The door-to-door service involved taking them to the Piedmont Driving Club in rush hour traffic and returning them to Phillips Arena to rejoin their families.

        During dinner, Deputy Desrosiers says he told a founding member of The 300 Club that he did not feel they deserved the honor.  However, the man told the deputy that they read numerous stories submitted to the organization before developing the list of honorees.  The club member assured Deputy Desrosiers that he and Deputy Farrar were indeed worthy of the award. 

        At the end of the night, the deputies were proud to receive accolades from two well-respected organizations and their children were able to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  A good night for all.

Disney on Ice recognizes dedicated Deputies 

 (October 6, 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia)  Representatives from the national production of Disney On Ice visited the Fulton County Sheriff's Office to recognize Deputy Timothy Desrosiers and Deputy John Farrar for making a difference in our community.  The deputies and their families will be Disney's honored guests at a production of the ice show Celebrations!, its newest magical family show.  Also in attendance will be a special family that the deputies adopted earlier this year.       

      In May, Deputies Desrosiers and Farrar went to a home in northwest Atlanta to handle a law enforcement matter.  The deputies are experienced in handling a variety of situations that they encounter on the street however, what they found at this tiny home was not covered in their law enforcement training.  The home was empty.  A 72-year-old lady was raising her great-grandchildren ages 3 and 10 at a time when she is in her golden years and the children are at crucial stages in their development.  The great-grandmother was working a part-time job to make ends meet but there was never enough.

     The deputies began thinking of ways to help the family.  They rolled up their sleeves and gave the home an extreme makeover.  Along the way, the men enlisted the help of the Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit of volunteer deputies and encouraged local businesses to donate services to tackle the jobs they could not manage themselves.  Deputies Desrosiers and Farrar took on the job of contractors.  The home needed extensive plumbing work, plastering and painting, heating and air, cleaning, and furniture.  A special project focused on giving the 10-year-old girl a room of her own decorated in a princess theme.  The girl had been sharing a room with her great-grandmother. 

     The deputies did not stop there.  They made financial contributions to the family in the form of cash and gift cards to help them make their house a home.  Deputies Farrar and Desrosiers still check on the family.  They look forward to seeing the great-grandmother and the girls at the Disney On Ice show Celebrations! because they truly have something to celebrate.