September Chamber Event Focuses On Annual Public Service Awards

Paulding Chamber of Commerce continued its tradition of honoring local public safety officials for their outstanding service at the Georgia Power Luncheon last week in Dallas.
The September event, sponsored by Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service, featured award presentations to individuals from the Paulding County Sheriff and Fire Departments, Marshall’s Bureau, District Attorney’s Office, E-911 Center, Dallas Police Department, Hiram Police Department and Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service.
Each one of the award recipients were submitted by the leaders of their organizations and publicly recognized for their commitment and dedication to the citizens they serve.
Bryan Dobbs from Dobbs Defense also presented the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department with a $3,000 check and the Hiram Police department with a $2,400 check.
In addition to the awards, attendees were treated to educational and interactive demonstrations including the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division, which is comprised of three dual-purpose canine teams.
Each team consists of a deputy and a canine partner. The Sheriff’s Office utilizes the Belgian Malinois breed for all of its canines. Each canine is trained in narcotics detection as well as patrol functions. Patrol functions consist of tracking, area searches, building searches, article searches, and apprehension. K-9 teams undergo rigorous training every year in order to keep their skills at the maximum level.
Paulding’s business leaders were also given an inside look into the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team, and shared a glimpse of the sacrifices that Paulding’s Public Safety staff go through every day.
Said Paulding Sherriff Gary Gulledge, “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle; you have to be ready to work at any time,” he said.