Georgia CommonsSR 856: Palmer, Officer Terry "J"; commend
Last action February 26, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally commends Officer Terry "J" Palmer for his actions during a September 2024 armed confrontation in Cameron Circle, recognizing his conduct on behalf of the state.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia Senate honors Officer Terry "J" Palmer for his response to a dangerous incident on September 7, 2024, at the Cameron Circle Apartments. According to the resolution, Palmer confronted an armed individual carrying a rifle who was approaching four unaware officers from behind, and Palmer's actions halted the threat and prevented an ambush. The resolution also describes Palmer pulling a fellow deputy to safety during an exchange of gunfire and providing lifesaving aid once the subject was incapacitated. The Senate resolves to commend Palmer's courage and dedication, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide him with a copy of the resolution. This is a symbolic honor and does not change any Georgia law.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Officer Terry "J" Palmer for his conduct during a September 2024 armed incident at Cameron Circle Apartments.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Officer Palmer.
- Creates no new law, funding, or penalty; it is a ceremonial statement of recognition by the Senate.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Officer Terry "J" Palmer. It also references an unnamed assisting deputy and other officers involved in the incident, as well as the Secretary of the Senate, who must distribute the commendation.
Why it matters
The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; it does not change any statute, create funding, or impose requirements. Its significance is symbolic, publicly recognizing a law enforcement officer's actions during a dangerous incident.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recount the September 7, 2024 incident at Cameron Circle Apartments, including the armed subject, the ambush threat, and Palmer's intervention.
- The resolved clause commends Palmer's courage, care, and dedication as a public servant.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Palmer.
From the bill
“Officer Palmer immediately advanced toward the armed subject, issued verbal commands, and engaged the individual when he raised his rifle, temporarily halting the subject's advance and preventing the ambush”
“he physically pulled the deputy to safety by her ballistic vest, shielding both officers behind the structure of the apartment building”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
- John Albers (R, SD-056)
- Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
- Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
- Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
Topics
- law enforcement commendation
- police officer recognition
- Georgia Senate resolution
- public safety