REGAINING MOMENTUM - WINTER 2022
GOVENOR ’ S PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS
On December 10 , Canine Officers Brandon Jewell and Andrew Leyden were honored with the Governor ’ s Public Safety Award for Acts of Heroism . The Governor ’ s Public Safety Awards is an annual event that recognizes the courageous efforts of Georgia ’ s public safety community , and Canine Officers Jewell and Leyden were among those recognized by Governor Brian P . Kemp .
Canine Officer Jewell was recognized for his bravery during an incident while assisting Lanier County Sheriff ’ s Office ( LCSO ). As a suspect fled from deputies in a stolen vehicle , the vehicle crashed , and the suspect began shooting toward LCSO deputies . Officer Jewell took cover while trying to gain a vantage point when he noticed two deputies cross in front of his line of sight , when he heard the female say that she had been shot . While under fire from the suspect , Officer Jewell pushed forward to the deputy and pulled her to safety , where he began rendering first aid until EMS arrived on the scene .
Pictured L to R : GPSTC Executive Director C . G . Wigginton , Andrew Leyden , and Governor Brian P . Kemp
Pictured L to R : GPSTC Executive Director C . G . Wigginton , Brandon Jewell , Governor Brian P . Kemp
Canine Officer Leyden was honored for his bravery during an incident at Washington State Prison in reference to two subjects attempting to introduce contraband into the facility . Upon arrival to the facility , Officer Leyden deployed a tracking canine where the two subjects were last seen . After tracking for a quartermile , Officer Leyden approached a hay barn and made contact with the subject . While attempting to take the subject into custody , he drew a firearm and fired , striking Officer Leyden in the hand and upper chest area . Officer Leyden returned fire and struck the suspect multiple times . Canine Officers Jewell and Leyden went above and beyond the call of duty to protect lives and property . The agency appreciates and honors their bravery and commitment to upholding the GDC mission .
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