SR395: SR395 Maddox, Sheriff Melody M.; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate recognizing Sheriff Melody M. Maddox of DeKalb County. It does not change any law; instead it formally commends her career and directs that a copy be given to her. The resolution recounts her more than 20 years in law enforcement in metropolitan Atlanta, including creating the public safety office at what is now Georgia Piedmont Technical College and becoming its first female police chief. It notes she later returned to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, rose to chief deputy, and was appointed sheriff in December 2019 after her predecessor retired. The Senate resolves to recognize and commend her service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide her a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Sheriff Melody M. Maddox for her law enforcement career and service to DeKalb County.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Sheriff Maddox.
• Creates no new law, funding, or enforceable requirement; it is a ceremonial statement by the Senate.

The resolution directly names and honors Sheriff Melody M. Maddox and references the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, but it does not impose obligations on any other group.

The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; it serves as an official, public acknowledgment by the Georgia Senate of one official's career, which may be read into the record and given to her as a keepsake.

• The whereas clauses detail Sheriff Maddox's career history, including her 2008 role creating a public safety office and later becoming chief deputy and sheriff.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize and commend her service and extend best wishes for continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to her.

1. 2025-03-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-13Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)

• law enforcement
• DeKalb County
• Senate resolution
• sheriff recognition