SR 481: Post 4 Villa Rica; recognize

Senate Resolution 481

By: Senators Bearden of the 30th, Hickman of the 4th, Cowsert of the 46th, Echols of the 49th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Post 4 Villa Rica, recipient of the 2024 Post of the Year Award; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Post 4 Villa Rica has recently been named the 2024 Post of the Year in recognition of its exceptional performance, remarkable leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Georgia State Patrol; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, Post 4 remained the busiest post within the Georgia State Patrol based on call volume, answering 6,644 calls for service while simultaneously managing staffing shortages with In-Troop detachments; and

WHEREAS, Post 4 personnel demonstrated exceptional enforcement activity by conducting 17,343 traffic stops, issuing 12,273 citations and 15,465 warnings, arresting 335 impaired drivers, and investigating 4,900 crashes; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Post Commander SFC Justin Hogan, Post 4 identified a significant operational trend regarding delayed crash response times caused by limited staffing and competing call demands, which caused 1,452 call cancellations by local agencies due to extended response times; and

WHEREAS, SFC Hogan utilized crash data analytics from SmartData to examine crash trends in Carroll and Douglas counties and collaborated with local agency leadership to develop a comprehensive solution that would increase public safety and improve interagency response; and

WHEREAS, Post 4's NCO staff implemented a modified schedule that strategically increased the number of working Troopers during peak crash and fatality periods, allowing for enhanced crash response and more equitable distribution of call volume among Troopers; and

WHEREAS, as a direct result of the modified schedule, Post 4 saw a 26 percent increase in Trooper presence during peak weekdays; a 35 percent increase in crashes investigated; a 71 percent decrease in call cancellations by local agencies; significant increases in traffic stops, citations, and warnings; and a 22 percent decrease in crash fatalities; and

WHEREAS, through effective interagency collaboration and community support, Post 4 has additionally secured local donations to equip most of its personnel with PepperBall launchers and ensured that each Post in Troop D has at least one Trooper equipped with this non-lethal option to enhance officer safety and de-escalation efforts; and

WHEREAS, Post 4 is known for its strong relationships with surrounding law enforcement agencies and is frequently called upon due to the reliability, professionalism, and high standards exhibited by its personnel; and

WHEREAS, Post 4's outstanding leadership team further includes Assistant Post Commanders SGT Jay Trawick, SGT Lindsey Rampy, CPL Mark Campbell, and CPL Philip Ellis, all of whom have played a pivotal role in guiding the Post toward excellence; and

WHEREAS, the dedicated Troopers of Post 4—Avery McWhorter, Philip Allen, Jodie Crews, Jared Davis, Ashton Curtis, Corey Wells Jr., Cannon Hicks, Troy Carpenter, Chet Long, Leighton Ivey, Trevor Hargrove, Michael Moores, and Trey Thomas—have demonstrated tremendous commitment to proactive enforcement and public service; and

WHEREAS, Post Administrative Assistants Jessica Kruse and Morgan Moran have provided invaluable support to ensure the Post's operations function smoothly and efficiently; and

WHEREAS, Post 4 Villa Rica's leadership, teamwork, and exemplary enforcement activity have set the highest standard for service across the State of Georgia, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that its staff be appropriately honored during this special time.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Post 4 Villa Rica for receiving the 2024 Post of the Year Award and extend sincere best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Post 4 Villa Rica.