Scruggs named ‘Officer of the Year’ at annual awards ceremony

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The Swainsboro Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony was held Friday, February 25 at 6 p.m. at Beaver Creek Plantation. Chief Randy Ellison welcomed everyone and recognized special guests including Council members Johnny Ray Stafford, Julian Sconyers, John Parker; Mayor Greg Bennett; Judge Richard McNeely; District Attorney Tripp Fitzner and Attorney Richard Thompson. Following the playing of the National Anthem and the invocation, guests enjoyed a meal of fried chicken, grilled pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, macaroni and cheese, biscuits and dessert.

Recognitions began with Mayor Bennett swearing in new officers, Brett Bishop, Tyler McCarty, Tachondria Brawsell and Austin Newton.

Before the presentation of individual awards, Chief Ellison recognized the staff at Swainsboro Animal Shelter for a job well done in 2021. He also recognized Detective James Young for the excellent work with Maya, the city’s drug dog.

“It gives me great pleasure to lead this ceremony and to present these awards to some very deserving members of the department. For the last 12 years, the agency has held this event as a way to show appreciation to the men and women of the Swainsboro Police Department”, said Chief Ellison.

Awards presented are as follows:

Intoximeter – Pfc. Todd Percell, Ptl. Frank Scruggs, Ptl. Kayleigh McVey

Firefighter – Ptl. Tyler McCarty, Ptl. Austin Newton

Safe Driver – Sgt. Rebecca Snellgrove, Sgt. Josh Bedgood, Sgt. James Clay Young, Sgt. Ashley Riner

Lt. Coleman Hall, Sgt. Angie Wilkerson

Supervision – Sgt. Weston Coleman

Management – Sgt. Craig Waring, Sgt. Angie Wilkerson

Weapons Marksman – Sgt. Craig Waring (Ribbon), Pfc. Mark Walden (Ribbon), Ptl. Kayleigh McVey (Ribbon), Tyler McCarty (Ribbon), Robbie Carter (Double Knot)

Weapons Expert – Sgt. Josh Bedgood (Ribbon), Ptl. Brett Bishop (Ribbon), Sgt. James Young (Double Knot), Sgt. Rebecca Snellgrove (Triple Knot), Sgt. Weston Coleman (Triple Knot), Cpl. Adam Kersey (Four Knot), Sgt. Ashley Riner (7th Ribbon), Lt. Coleman Hall (Second Ribbon – 5 Knot) 2

Top Gun(Highest Score) – Lt. Coleman Hall

Good Conduct – Cpl. Robbie Carter, Sgt. Ashley Riner

EMS – Ptl. Austin Newton

Military Service – Ptl. Brett Bishop, Ptl. Tachondria Braswell

Life Saving – Pfc. Todd Purcell

The final award was presented to the “Officer of the Year’ which is voted on by members of the department. Frank Scruggs received this prestigious award.

Following the awards presentation, Chief Ellison announced promotions within the department. “Tonight, as years past, I use this special evening to announce promotions to those members of the department who have earned and been selected to fill vacant positions within the department”, stated Chief Ellison. “Promotions are granted to fill the gaps in the Chain of Command but only if earned by those considered promotable”.

Promotions are as follows:

Ptl. Frank Scruggs - promoted to Patrolman First Class

Ptl. Kayleigh McVey – promoted to Patrolman First Class

Pfc. Todd Purcell – promoted to Corporal

Cpl. Matthew Williams – promoted to Sergeant

Cpl. Melody Grant – promoted to Sergeant

Sgt. Craig Waring – promoted to Sergeant First Class

In closing, Chief Ellison recited the ‘National Law Enforcement Oath of Honor’ and the agency mission statement.