KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

It is with deepest regrets that we now add the following to the listing:

Wilcox County

Sheriff Robert Rodgers

EOW 8/29/2023

When we initially set up this website we attempted to include all those that had previously lost their lives in the line of duty and have made every effort to include additional names as needed. We recently became aware of two officers whom we missed and apoligize to their family and friends. We now make those two entries to the listing as follows:

Eastman Police Department

Patrolman Tim Smith

EOW 8/13/2016

and

Georgia State Patrol

Corporal Michael Douglas Young

EOW 8/29/2006

It is such a small thing that we offer but must say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

The year 2016 was a period that saw the loss of life of many in law enforcement across the U.S. and especially here in Georgia. We cannot change history but rather can pay honor to those brave souls and attempt to put in place deterrents to such actions in the future. Thankfully our State Legislature and Governor have moved in that direction.

"Back the Badge Act of 2017"

Specialty License Plate; honoring law enforcement; establish

Simply put, this bill provides for increased punishment when certain crimes are committed against public safety officers.

Click on the link below for a copy of the bill.

2017-2018 Regular Session - SB 160

Recent events stirred thoughts of creating a specialty Georgia license plate that would honor those officers who have died in the line of duty as well as to show support of all those who work everyday to enforce our laws. The originator of this idea was a Sumter County farmer by the name of Aaron Cosby who presented his idea to Senator Greg Kirk who enlisted other to sponsor a bill.

Senator Greg Kirk: "Aaron started looking in December for a specialty tag to show his support. He was surprised that there wasn't one and call me to ask if I would carry a bill for tag if he designed it and worked out all the details. I was honored to do so. Aaron and his daughter were present in the Senate Chamber the day the bill passed. We recognized all the fallen officers from across the state from 2016. It was a very moving ceremony as senators stood in honor of their fallen. I have said repeatedly that I was honored and proud to have carried this bill that was the brainchild of a constitute."

Designed in Americus, Aaron's original idea was a "Back the Blue" license plate but the wording was changed by legislators to go along with wording in another bill (SB 160) already in progress.

Click on the link below for a copy of the bill.

2017-2018 Regular Session - SB 169