SR856: SR856 Palmer, Officer Terry "J"; commend

This resolution honors Officer Terry "J" Palmer for his conduct during a dangerous incident on September 7, 2024, when he responded to a welfare check at Cameron Circle Apartments involving a person who had made suicidal threats and was reportedly armed. According to the resolution, Palmer spotted an armed subject carrying a rifle who was sneaking up on four unaware officers, and he moved to intercept the threat, issued commands, and engaged the individual, which the resolution says prevented an ambush. The resolution also states that during the gunfire exchange, Palmer pulled a fellow deputy to safety and then provided lifesaving aid once the subject was incapacitated. The Senate resolution commends Palmer's courage and dedication and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide him a copy of the resolution. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally commends Officer Terry "J" Palmer for his actions during a September 7, 2024 armed confrontation at Cameron Circle Apartments.
• Recites the incident narrative as findings of the Senate, including Palmer's actions to intercept an armed subject and protect fellow officers.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Officer Palmer.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or penalty, since it is a commendation resolution rather than legislation.

The resolution directly names and honors Officer Terry "J" Palmer. It also references the assisting deputy he helped protect and the local law enforcement agency involved, though it creates no legal obligations for any broader group.

The resolution has no legal effect beyond formal recognition; it does not change any statute, create funding, or impose requirements. Its significance is symbolic, publicly acknowledging an officer's actions and providing him an official record of that recognition from the Georgia Senate.

• The whereas clauses describe the September 7, 2024 incident, including the welfare check, the armed subject, and Palmer's intervention to prevent an ambush on four officers.
• The resolution clause commends Palmer's care, courage, sympathy, and selfless dedication.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Officer Palmer.

1. 2026-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)Primary sponsor
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)

• law enforcement commendation
• public safety
• Georgia Senate resolution