Cpl. Reynolds responded to a Code 7 call from Sgt. Tony McMahan who was dispatched to a Domestic Dispute. Upon arrival a male subject was in the yard of his residence holding a gun to his head and threatening to kill himself. After loading 2 beanbag rounds in his shotgun, Cpl. Reynolds met with Deputy Clement who briefed him on the situation. Cpl. Reynolds approached the man and began talking to him about work, hobbies, etc. After gaining a small amount of confidence from the man, Cpl. Reynolds closed the gap to within 2 feet of the subject. While Cpl. Reynolds was talking to the subject Cpl. Reynolds seized the gun from the man. The man then ran towards the garage of the residence, where he stated he had other firearms. Cpl. Reynolds, with thought, used the less than lethal beanbag rounds and fired one, striking the man in the back. The man fell between two vehicles parked in the drive.

Mr. Gaddis was handcuffed without further incident.

On September 21, 2000 a call was dispatched to a structure fire at 1008 Rolling Green Drive, where several persons were still inside, including an invalid and possibly a juvenile. Lt. Locke and Sgt. Rentz arrived first, followed shortly by Sgt. Johnson. The three immediately went inside the residence, which had been struck by lightening. Smoke was bellowing from the front entrance and upon first inspection, the people inside were in immediate danger of being overcome with smoke.

Without hesitation, acting beyond their call of duty, they entered the residence and escorted all within to safety.

Persons inside the residence included an elderly female who was dependant upon a walker, a second female who was partially disabled, and a male juvenile. Also inside were several K-9's and other assorted domesticated animals that were safely removed.

A male subject was located in the water gasping and choking for air. The male subject then stopped breathing. Cpl. Koury and Deputy Nelson jumped into the water and pulled the man out. They turned him on his side and started resuscitation. It took approximately one minute for the man to start coughing up the water from his lungs. EMS arrived and then took over the care of the male subject.

After Deputy Walters retrieved the life preservers Cpl. Koury and Deputy Nelson swam out to an object floating in the water. It turned out to be just trash floating in the water. While swimming back to shore the female was spotted swimming towards the shoreline. She was unable to get out of the water without assistance. Deputy Nelson swam to the female and assisted her from the water.

Deputy Nelson has been involved in many cases this year where good, thorough police work has resulted in the capture of criminals and the recovery of stolen property. Deputy Nelson's performance has achieved exemplary results that significantly enhanced the agency's operational effectiveness and that the aforementioned services were performed over a period of 12 consecutive months.

Deputy Ponder on several occasions received praise from not only the facility, but the students and parents as well, from Cherokee County Schools for the tremendous effort he initiates in the presentation of the D.A.R.E. Program and leading the children in the right direction in their lives.

Deputy Ponder has conducted his duties in support of the agency's goals, objectives and effectiveness in an excellent manner.

During this tense situation all these officers worked together displaying ideal teamwork. Each of them carefully watching and evaluating the other's involvement in the situation. The officers coordinated together using unusual creativity, planning and execution, which resulted in the disarming and arrest of the perpetrator.

Sgt. McMahan demonstrated commendable duty performance during this incident. He successfully assessed the situation and arranged for the arrival of the most effective personnel available to handle the situation. Sgt. McMahan continuously evaluated the situation and was able to changed his leadership decisions as the dynamics of the situation changed. His efforts achieved exemplary results that significantly enhanced the agency's operational effectiveness in that an armed subject attempting suicide by police was disarmed and two women that were previously barricaded inside the residence were rescued.

Det. Painter was assigned to operate the Command Post during the May 18th search for Bautista Ramirez, who was a suspect for the death of Officer Hugo Arango of the Doraville Police Department. Det. Painter was able to coordinate many requests from many different sources. As this would turn out to be the largest manhunt in Georgia's History, this would prove to be no small task. Det. Painter was efficient and patient and a credit to this agency.

This act of exemplary service was handled in a way that involved tremendous coordination, planning and execution.

B.J. Free was instrumental in assisting this agency in becoming Y2K compliant. She worked diligently, with the whole organization as her only concern.