SR866: SR866 Atchely, Ruth; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Ruth Atchely, who has worked for the Statesboro Police Department since 2021, first as a Front Counter Clerk and since 2024 as its Community Information Specialist. The resolution describes her duties, including running community programs, speaking to schools and civic groups, and managing the department's social media accounts. It credits her with organizing more than 65 community events in 2025 and with growing the department's Facebook following from 39,000 to 76,300 in about six weeks, along with millions of page views. The Senate directs its Secretary to provide a copy of the resolution to Ruth Atchely as a keepsake.

• Formally recognizes and commends Ruth Atchely, the Statesboro Police Department's Community Information Specialist, on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
• Describes her job duties, including running community outreach programs and managing the department's social media presence.
• Credits her with organizing more than 65 community events in 2025 and significantly growing the department's Facebook following and engagement.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Ruth Atchely.

The resolution directly names and honors Ruth Atchely and, by extension, recognizes the Statesboro Police Department. It does not create obligations for the public, other agencies, or Georgia residents generally.

This is a symbolic honor with no legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its main real-world consequence is a formal Senate record commending Atchely's work and a keepsake copy of the resolution given to her.

• The whereas clauses describe Atchely's employment history with the Statesboro Police Department since 2021 and her role since 2024.
• The resolution states specific figures: more than 65 community events in 2025 and a Facebook following increase from 39,000 to 76,300 in under six weeks.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes and commends Atchely on behalf of the Senate.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Atchely.

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

• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)Primary sponsor
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)

• ceremonial resolution
• law enforcement
• Statesboro
• Georgia Senate honors