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Each trooper from GSP Hartwell Post 52 was recognized for DUI arrests at the Golden Shield Honors, where the post was named troop of the year.
Three Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies and the Hartwell Georgia State Patrol Post were honored for keeping local highways safe from drunk drivers.
Deputies and GSP Post 52 were honored at the 18th annual Golden Shield Honors sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and MADD Georgia and held June 15 in Fayetteville.
The awards recognize law enforcement officers and agencies, DUI prosecutors and community advocates who make a difference in keeping highways and roads safe.
“These heroes work hand-in-hand with us to fulfill our mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking,” a press release about the awards ceremony said.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Cpl.Jason Roach (37 arrests), Deputy Bryan Woods (35 arrests) and Deputy Drew McAdams (41 arrests) were honored by MADD and received the Bronze Award for DUI arrests during 2021.
The Bronze Award is given to law enforcement officers who made between 15-50 DUI arrests during 2021.
In addition, McAdams and K-9 Max are nominated for MADD’s K-9 award that will be announced later this summer.
Franklin County deputies made a total of 182 DUI arrests in 2021 and of those, the above named deputies accounted for 113 DUI arrests.
Georgia State Patrol Post 52 was named the Post of the Year at the Golden Shield Honors.
Post 52 covers Franklin, Hart and Elbert Counties.
As assistant commander of the post, Sgt. Camran Fleming made it his goal to get post of the year.
He said data shows that driving under the influence will cause fatal accidents, and if his officers can take one person off the road, they can save that person’s life or someone else’s.
Through planning, the post ended with 455 DUI arrests in 2021, resulting in each trooper — Cory Andrews, Brad Cuevas (30 arrests), Dustin Welborn (47 arrests), Kiefer Smith (47 arrests), Bryan Randall (44 arrests), Jesse Lamb (39 arrests) and Matthew Bradley (91 arrests) — earning an achievement award, and the post earning second place for the Agency DUI Hero award.
Trooper Cory Andrews was recognized on the Gold level for DUI achievement with 123 arrests, the most for the post.
“DUI is one of the most senseless and completely avoidable crimes that causes immeasurable pain and suffering to families in Franklin County and throughout the state,” Sheriff Stevie Thomas said in a press release. “We all know someone who was killed or seriously injured by a drunk driver. Research shows that enforcement saves lives. Our men and women of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to keeping our roads and highways in Franklin County safe. I am asking that all citizens help us prevent this senseless crime by stopping loved ones from driving after drinking and reporting drivers that appear unsafe or intoxicated to 911. It takes a team effort and together we can make a difference in our community.”
GSP Post 52 also reported troopers made 224 DUI arrests in Franklin County during 2021 responding to motor vehicle crashes, assisting with checkpoints and patrol.