e others to make a positive difference . Here are a few accomplishments we can celebrate from the past few months .
District 5 On December 15 , 2020 , Martin Williams was name as Chief for the Darien Police Department .
District 6 Gary Roberts was made Interim Chief of the Brooklet Police Department , located in Bullock County on November 2 , 2020 .
On Wednesday , November 4 , 2020 , Rennie M . Walters Sr . was swornin as Chief of Police for Savannah State University . He was previously the chief for Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin .
On November 6 , 2020 , Chief Laura McCollough and the Georgia Southern University Police Department were awarded 1st Place for the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety , 2019 – 2020 Governor ’ s Challenge Award for Campus and University Police Agencies as well as the State ’ s Award for the best Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety program .
On November 6 , 2020 , Chief Charles Brown and the Pooler Police Department were presented the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety , 2019 – 2020 Impaired Driving Award for having the best program in the State .
District 7 Thompson Police Chief Anson Evans resigned effective November 2 , 2020 , to take a position with the DeKalb County Sheriff ’ s Office . Assistant Chief E . J . Bess will assume command until a replacement is named .
District 8 On September 29 , 2020 , Chief Blake Davidson was appointed as Chief of the White Police Department .
On November 6 , 2020 , Chief James Pyle and the Calhoun Police Department were awarded 1st Place for the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety , 2019 - 2020 Governor ’ s Challenge Award for Agencies with 26 – 45 Officers as well as the Teen / Young Driver Safety Award for the State .
Chief Cliff Carson and the Dalton Police Department were awarded 1st Place for the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety , 2019 – 2020 Governor ’ s Challenge Award for Agencies with 76 – 100 Officers on November 6 , 2020 .
Chief Denise Downer McKinney and the Rome Police Department were awarded 2nd Place for the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety 2019 – 2020 Governor ’ s Challenge Award for Agencies with 76 – 100 Officers on November 6 , 2020 .
District 8 ( continued ) Chief Ned Watson and the West Georgia University Police Department were awarded 2nd Place for the Governor ’ s Office of Highway Safety , 2019 – 2020 Governor ’ s Challenge Award for Campus and University Police Agencies .
District 9 On October 1 , 2020 , Chief Chris Hodge and the Auburn Police Department were recognized for being the first agency to successfully complete the Risk Reduction Certificate Program .
On Monday , October 5 , 2020 , Chief John Foster announced his retirement from the Cleveland Police Department after 23 years , with 18 years as chief . His retirement was effective December 28th .
James Bennett McKinney was named Acting Chief Investigator for the Gwinnett County Solicitor ’ s Office .
Chief Zack Ardis and the Commerce Police Department were awarded State Certification with the Georgia Law Enforcement State Certification Program on October 14 , 2020 .
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