SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Spalding County man, Guy Lynn Scott Jr., age 48, was shot and killed at his residence Wednesday night by a deputy of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

Scott was previously employed by Spalding County, having worked between the Correctional Institution and the Detention Center from approximately 1991 to 2000. He had most recently been employed in the construction industry.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, deputies were at the Collier Drive residence upon the request of a welfare check.

“Last night about 8:50 p.m., the dispatch center received a call from a third party wanting a welfare check at a residence on Collier Drive, on the north side of Griffin off of Birdie Road. The deputies responded to the call,” Dix said. “They walked up the driveway. When they went into the backyard, they saw a guy walk towards the house. They called out to him as he walked on to the house. They walked on up into the back yard and when they got to the back porch – like right outside the back door – the guy came out of the door with a pistol in his hand and pointed it at one of the deputies. The deputy drew his weapon and fired twice. Both rounds struck the guy and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner.”

The officer involved shooting was documented on video recording.

“It was all recorded on body camera. I’ve watched the video multiple times and all indications are that the deputy responded to the actions that were taken by the suspect,” Dix said. “It unfolded so fast – they were literally within feet of each other when it happened – and the deputy didn’t have any choice.”

Dix said the deputy has received training in crisis intervention – how to de-escalate situations – but stated there was not time to utilize that training.

“There was not any opportunity at all to de-escalate. Like I said, as soon as the guy came out the door of the house, he had a gun in his hand and pointed it at the deputy, and the deputy shot him,” Dix said.

When asked if the video indicates the deputy identified himself as a law enforcement officer, Dix said, “No. It happened so fast that there was really….You hear the deputy say something like, ‘Sir,’ or something like that, and then as he turns his body, you can see the guy standing there with a gun like between his hip and midway up his chest pointing at the deputy, and the deputy fires the shots.”

Dix said he does not believe Scott was unaware the two deputies were law enforcement officers.

“They were both in marked cars – Spalding County Sheriff’s Office marked cars – they were both in uniform – full uniform, they were both carrying flashlights, so there was enough light that they both could have been identified as deputy sheriffs,” he said.

Dix said the shooting occurred directly outside the residence’s back door in a patio area.

“With the light from the flashlights of both the deputies, it was very well-illuminated by their flashlights,” he said.

Asked if there was any other lighting in the area of the shooting, Dix said, “I don’t recall. I know that there were a couple of motion activated or outdoor lights, but I would hate to tell you wrong. What they (the deputies) were doing is when they were walking up the driveway and when they were coming into the back of the house, they were not just pointing the flashlights at the house; they were scanning around, and some of the ambient light there would have been able to light them up with all the brass on their uniforms. Plus, the fact that this guy used to be a county employee in the Detention Division out here. I’m pretty sure that he would have recognized immediately that these guys were deputies.”

He then reiterated how quickly the shooting occurred.

“But there was not even enough time to call out anything. Like I said, I think the officer who fired the shot said, “Sir,” or something like that, and then it was on. It was boom, boom.”

When questioned as to whether he believes Scott could have perceived the deputies as intruders, Dix said. “I don’t think so,” before later adding, “It would be hard for me to say yay or nay whether the guy thought they were intruders. Most of the time, people that are doing that, people that are doing that aren’t going to walk up in your backyard with flashlights and openly talking. It’s not like they were sneaking around. They were talking to each other while they were walking.”

He also described the scene from his personal perspective.

“I walked up in that backyard up there to where the actual scene was, and I could see good enough to kind of move around and everything up there,” Dix said.

Asked why the deputies went to the backyard of the residence rather than the front door, Dix said, “I don’t know if they had been to the house before. That’s something that will come out during the investigation, I’m sure, when we run a call history or the GBI runs a call history, but like I said, I don’t know if they had been there before and knew to go to the back door, or it could have been the fact that when they saw the guy walking in the backyard – walking across – that that’s where he went to, so that’s where they went to, because they were initially walking up the sidewalk. They saw him, or saw somebody, in the backyard and called out to him, and the guy walked toward the house, so more than likely, they went to where they saw the guy walk to.”

Dix said the video does show the deputy’s perspective of Scott.

“When he came out the door, according to the video, he turns, has the weapon in his hand and his weapon is pointed at the deputy. It’s like between waist level and mid-chest. It’s not locked out – punched out – like in a classic shooting stance, but it’s pointed – it appears to be pointed at the deputy when he fired the shots,” Dix said.

The deputy involved has not been identified, but Dix did say he has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2014. He worked first as a detention officer until attending the Police Academy, from which he graduated in 2016. The deputy transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division in March 2017, when he began a 12-week Field Training Observation program, which was completed in June 2017.

The deputy has been patrolling for approximately three months.

“He’s a good employee. A very young guy. Absolutely devastated by what happened, and it’s very obvious on the video how devastated he is. The video is hard to watch all the way around. I would challenge anybody to watch that video and tell me he’s a cold-blooded killer or he’s out hunting people to shoot and stuff like that. He was very emotional at the time. The video is hard to watch all the way around,” Dix said. “We’re going to get him some counseling and we’re going to send him to make sure there are no issues with him psychologically. We’re going to make sure that he’s cleared investigatively, psychologically and medically before he will return to work. He is on paid administrative leave right now, which is absolutely normal. It appears right now to me that the officer reacted to an aggressive action by the suspect and responded in the only way that he could.”

Dix does anticipate releasing the deputy’s body worn camera footage of this incident upon completion of the GBI investigation.

“It was literally in the blink of an eye – the guy was in front of him with a gun pointed at him. Everyone who has seen the video, the first thing every one of them has said is, ‘Wow, that was fast.’ So, it really is quick,” Dix said. “You know, if somebody was to ask is there anything else this deputy could have done? Yeah, there’s something else he could have done. He could have stood there and got shot.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Five people were injured Wednesday night – two critically –in what authorities say was a hit and run on Quilly Street.

According to 1^st Sgt. Kendrick Lowe, the Georgia State Patrol-Griffin Post commander, the incident was precipitated by a street fight involving numerous people.

“We were called out by the city to assist them with the accident – an accident involving a vehicle versus five or six pedestrians – and when we got there on the scene, everybody was gone except the person being life-flighted out. There was one life-flighted to Grady Hospital,” Lowe said. “There appeared to have been a fight in the middle of the street prior to our arrival between it looks like it could have been eight to ten girls, and the driver of this vehicle, which we think is involved somehow with that fight, whether she’s related to or knows some of the girls involved, she just drove through the middle of the street and into that crowd that was fighting.”

Five people were injured. One was flown from the scene to the Grady Memorial Hospital Trauma unit, and four were initially transported to WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, with one being later transported by air ambulance to an Atlanta trauma unit.

Kendrick said those who were seen in the local emergency department were conscious and alert.

“One lady who was hit was in a wheelchair. She was an older lady who was hit and hurt,” he said.

Authorities say a suspect has been identified.

“So, we have a person of interest, but we don’t have them in custody because they left the scene of the accident, so this is a hit-and-run. We’re still trying to locate the vehicle. The vehicle is a gold Lexus SUV, but at this time, we don’t have it in possession. We’re still looking for that vehicle,” Kendrick said. “We do have enough information that we think we’ve positively identified her, but we’re still working on some things to confirm that.”

Kendrick said witnesses have not been willing to speak to those investigating the incident, but said cell phone video of the incident has been obtained, and he expects it will be useful in the case.

“I was blown away when I spoke with someone at the hospital last night – they had people injured at the hospital – but they didn’t want to talk to us,” Kendrick said. “But with the videos, we’ll be able to make a good case without talking to them.”

Asked if he believe this was a deliberate act, Kendrick said, “Oh, absolutely.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has identified the officer involved in Wednesday’s fatal shooting incident as Bryan Head, a three-year veteran of the agency.

While responding to a call requesting a welfare check at the residence of Guy Lynn Scott Jr., Head fired two shots, with both striking Scott.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, Head did not identify himself as a law enforcement officer prior to firing his weapon, alleging he did not have time to do so after being confronted by Scott, who Dix said was armed and aiming a firearm at the deputy.

Head’s records from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) indicate he began his career with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer on April 29, 2014. He attended the Academy and became a certified peace officer in 2017. He was transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division in March 2017, where he underwent a 12-week Field Training Observation program before being released for duty to patrol independently.

Among other courses, Head’s POST records indicate he has completed training in use of deadly force (two hours), carrying and possessing weapons in Georgia (two hours), dealing with mentally ill and diminished capacity (one hour), use of force and de-escalation options for gaining compliance (five hours) and Georgia Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program (40 hours).

Altogether, Head completed 97 hours of training in 2017, 446 hours in 2016, six hours in 2015 and 93 hours in 2014.

POST records further state Head’s certification is in good standing, and documents no prior investigations or sanctions.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating this officer involved shooting.

Head remains on administrative leave with pay.

This editorial column written by Dusty Takle was previously published in a print edition of The GRIP.

For the past six months, I’ve watched a very close family friend navigate through his third bout with cancer….his second with bone cancer. For those of you who’ve experienced or watched someone go through this kind of pain, you know it’s intensity.

You know how relentless it is in immobilizing your body, because the pain is so severe.
I watched Mike Thompson’s journey. I went on this journey with him. My parents went on this journey as his caretakers. His two grown children, having already lost their mother, endured their dad’s journey of cancer. His countless friends and family members embarked on this journey.

His great love for people made everyone want to love him right back and be there every step of the way. And the true gift in being there for Mike was the gift that he gave us in the process – his presence.

No matter what his pain level was in the time you were with him, he purposed to be in the moment with you. Present with you. Fully engaged, not missing a beat of who you were, what you were giving and where you were going.

He was intentional to not allow his pain to hinder his presence. He was a champion at fixing his thoughts on the goodness in front of him. As relentless as the cancer was, his presence was greater. Stronger. Winning out every single time.

Three days before he transitioned to his heavenly body, he told me, “You just don’t give in to the pain.”

You just don’t give in to the pain. You’re going to feel it. You’re going to wish it wasn’t there. You’re going to look for every possible way to eliminate it, but you don’t have to give in to it. You don’t have to allow it to rob you of the good in front of you. You don’t have to miss the beautiful stories people want to share with you. You don’t have sit the dance out, because your legs don’t move like they used to. You don’t have to refuse the laughter and the joy around you, because you can’t stop the pain.

You may not be able to stop the breaking of the heart. You may not be able to not feel the hurt, the heartache, the pain. That is the is-ness of life. It’s going to be there. My friend felt it. He felt it as he cared for his ailing wife, yet he never let it rob him of enjoying every minute with her.

He felt it as he came to the end of his journey here, but he never let it rob him of missing out on you, and he never let it rob you of missing out on him. He kept listening. He kept smiling. He kept laughing. He kept dancing.

He knew he was going to feel the pain. He owned it, but it never owned him because he never gave in to it. His presence was always greater than his pain.

Don’t get out of the game because life has thrown you a curveball.

Don’t stop loving because you’re heart has been broken.

Don’t stop being present because you’re hurt.

I would say that there will never be another soul like Mike Thompson, but I would be wrong because there are so many hearts he touched and lives he inspired that will take his zest for life and love for people and allow their presence to always be greater than their pain.

Of all the lessons he taught me in life, one is by far the greatest.

Don’t. Give. In.

This column written by Dr. Bob Hayden was previously published in the print edition of The GRIP.

That title is not original with me. You may recognize it from Bob Dylan’s song of 1962. Originally penned as a war protest piece, it asks searching questions about why things happen.

Events of the past few days will provoke many of us to ask the questions again. Irma wrecked many of our homes, neighborhoods and businesses. This phenomenon of weather has cost us time, money and irreplaceable “stuff” that we treasured.

I could not help feeling like our beautiful town was wrecked as I walked or drove in Third Ward, on College Street, Maple Street, Hill Street and others. It was more than sad.

This is our town.

One estimate suggested that Irma will cost between $62-$94 billion, and that coupled with Harvey, her older brother, the cost should hit $150-$200 billion. That is as bad as Katrina, a recent horror whose effects linger still that set the economy back $160 billion.
We feel the anxiety building when we see the weather forecast, and then the news reports of what is happening in Florida. We know it’s coming our way. We who were here remember Opal here in Griffin in 1995.

We are set up for this kind of mess because Griffin is blessed with beautiful ancient oak trees whose ages we can only guess. They give us shade and beauty. The leaves they shed in the fall are pretty, even if a nuisance to rake, and they serve as a reminder with the passage of seasons that life cycles do go on. You might consider that an occasional storm with toppled trees is the price you pay for having these natural works of art in the first place.

As we dig out from under these fallen giants, the work of clearing lawns, roads and broken houses begins. The destruction in Griffin is significant and heartbreaking. It makes one pause and revisit, perhaps in different words, the questions Dylan asked.
He was not the first to ask such questions, of course. I am thinking of Noah’s neighbors, the inhabitants of Pompeii and the survivors of World Wars I and II for example. When bad things happen, we want to put some meaning to it all. Why do such things happen to us?

Dylan had no real answer at the time. He said the answer was “blowin’ in the wind.”
That seems partly appropriate for the storm just past, but it is hollow and inadequate. Such things as Irma are difficult to comprehend, indeed. However, everything looks very different when viewed through the eyes of faith.

Saul of Tarsus, who took the name Paul after his conversion from being a Pharisee rabbi to a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth (quite a conversion, really), said that in this life we see things “darkly,” as though looking through distorted glass. Someday, he said, our knowledge would be made complete when we see the living Christ face to face.

Much of Scripture is a mystery, indeed, requiring study, faith and the Spirit to guide us. This passage is rich with meaning for us, though. I have always thought that the second part of it suggests that someday we will view life through spiritual eyes, unlimited by physics.

Now we see the what, the when, the where and maybe the how, but not the why. That is when our knowledge is made complete, and when we understand life through God’s perspective.

So, perhaps the answer to why such things happen in Griffin does, in fact, blow in the wind. The eyes of faith, though, see Who makes the wind blow. He knows why the tides roll in, and why a newborn knows its mother.

Dylan himself knows that now. After asking all those searching questions, like Paul, he met the living Jesus of Nazareth. And the question changes. Once he asked “Why,” but now he knows “Who.” That changes everything.

So, Griffin, let’s clean, rebuild, comfort and love each other through this. We will be beautiful again.

This and other columns by Dr. Bob Hayden can be found at http://www.iriscitychiro.com.

This editorial column written by Maria McCoy was previously published in the print edition of The GRIP.

The United States has been severely impacted by Hurricane’s Harvey and Irma. We watched in horror as the deadly hurricane pulverized cities and caused massive flooding throughout the affected areas.

We have watched as horrific fires threatened homes and lives in the Midwest.

Mexico was hit with a powerful earthquake late last week.

All of this all while our country has appeared more divided than at any other point since the Civil War, but in these moments of tragedy, we saw a nation come together. People from different states flocked to Houston to aid in humanitarian efforts after Harvey and now after Irma.

That is what America is about – that is what we are good at. Right here in our own community are regular citizens showing random acts of kindness. This past weekend, a small group of eight or nine people (not associated with any ministry) stood outside Wal-mart and collected donations for evacuees from Florida.

These people didn’t even know one another. They put the call out and just showed up.

The donated money was used to purchase all sorts of items – easily prepared foods, baby wipes, baby food, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, female products, etc. These items were delivered right into the hands of people camping at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

First Baptist cooked meals and delivered them to local evacuees at the Speedway and in various hotels throughout the area. Impact Ministries, Griffin First United Methodist, NewWalk Christian Fellowship, Pomona United Methodist and Second Baptist all opened their doors as emergency shelters in Spalding County.

This is what our community does. We band together and help those in need whenever we can do so. These are the lessons we should be teaching our children. This week my kids had the opportunity to see people in need and learn the feeling of promise and peace that comes from helping when we can.

We met at the church and collected the leftover items that were purchased for the speedway. My kids got to experience firsthand the hope that is given when generosity is provided by regular citizens. This is the lesson my children learned – you do not have to be rich and famous to be kind or to make a difference.

So, to those who stood outside collecting these items – let me call the ones I met by name: Roxanne, Mike, Matthew, Olivia, Cindy, BayBay, Misty, Delilah, Lucas and Jennifer – thank you. You guys have shown a compassion that is immeasurable to those watching. To all those who came together within our own community to help those in need, regular citizens and churches alike, thank you.

Thank you for reminding us all that basic human goodness is not a thing of the past. We are just passing through this life, and the important thing is to make a difference in the life of someone else. Display kindness and compassion. Practice integrity and honesty. Come together when the world says we should be falling apart because of our differences. Seek out the good in others and cling to that.

It may be a small thing but a small bit of good can overpower a large piece of ugly. In the book of Matthew, we are reminded that those who do for the “least of these” have surely done so for Christ. In this context, the least of these doesn’t always mean the poor. Reading Matthew 25, the “least of these” references those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick and imprisoned.

So, feed those who are hungry and give drink to those who thirst. Give the word to those who thirst for more than they know. House the homeless or provide those basic items needed to ensure their safety. Clothe those who have little clothing and care for those who are sick. Pray for them all, and even those who are imprisoned, whether it be in body, spirit or literally.

This is how we further the kingdom of Christ – by these acts of kindness and generosity. We provide hope that humanity is still present in a world where inhumanity is prevalent. Good people still exist, even right here in the Grip. And if you can’t find a good person to commiserate with, be one. All it takes is the want and the action to do so.

STAFF REPORT :::

An Orrs Elementary School student on Friday, Sept. 29, was allegedly in possession of a knife on the school bus.

According to a letter to parents issued by Griffin-Spalding County School System Communications and Partnerships Executive Director Kimberly Willis Green, another student brought the alleged incident to administrators’ attention.

“A student aboard a school bus allegedly displayed a small pocket knife to another student,” Green wrote. “Upon arriving at school, the student reported the knife to his teacher, who later reported it to me. The student was called to the front office and administrators retrieved the knife from him.”

Green said the student’s parents were immediately notified.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Two employees of the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) – Spalding High School Principal Lindy Pruitt and Kristie Hall, a Cowan Road Elementary School Pre-K teacher – were suspended for drinking alcoholic beverages in the presence of students while on a student trip to Australia. Elise Heaton, who resigned from the GSCSS following the Australia trip – is also accused of consuming alcohol in the presence of students.

Because she resigned following the trip, Heaton did not face internal disciplinary action.

The GSCSS did file complaints against Pruitt, Hall and Heaton with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Spalding High Data Assessment Specialist Rynn Goldstein, who organized the trip. received a letter of directive for failing to report the alleged Code of Ethics violation.

Not formally investigated were two separate alleged incidents of reported verbal altercations said to have involved Kristie Hall and a female student.

The GRIP has confirmed the altercations took place. Based on information from multiple sources, the altercations were unrelated to school, pertaining rather to the end of a teenage dating relationship. The GRIP sources described Hall’s altercation as a “verbal assault of that student,” “heated” and “extremely intense.”

The student reportedly became extremely emotionally distraught following both altercations that occurred on consecutive days. She was left weeping by the incidents.

Following a phone call with GSCSS Communication and Partnerships Executive Director Judy Parker, a series of emails pertaining to this issue was exchanged.

Parker initially stated, “There were no allegations by anyone that Kristie Hall used profanity toward anyone on the Australia trip so no investigation was held. The issue was never raised. Edna (sic) investigation focused on the ethical violation of drinking on the trip.”

The GRIP responded by asking, “So, no one from the Griffin-Spalding County School System was aware of this alleged altercation prior to my call today?

Parker responded, “During the investigation there were no allegations made against Kristie Hall for the use of profanity toward a student.”

The original question was reiterated, to which Parker responded, “We have turned over all our investigative documents from Australia to you.

“For clarification before I go to press, does your response mean you’re refusing to answer my question?” The GRIP responded.

“All investigations from Australia trip is in the packet you received under open records,” Parker said.

The GRIP then replied, “With all due respect, ma’am, that isn’t what I asked. Is it the school system’s position that prior to my initial call TODAY, NO GSCSS representative was aware of a verbal altercation that allegedly involved a teacher and student and reportedly occurred during the 2017 trip to Australia.
I acknowledge your repeated statement that the school system released the full Australia trip investigative file. However, I reiterate – that isn’t what I asked.
It’s a simple yes or no question. Are you refusing to answer that simple yes or no question?”

The following morning, Parker responded, “HR (Human Resources) did know of an altercation between Kristie Hall and a recently graduated student. Initial conversations did not lead to an investigation due to several factors including the former student’s refusal to be interviewed.”

Less than two hours later, Parker changed her statement to say, “Seems that student was out of town rather than refusing.”

Parker later returned a call from The GRIP. Below is a partial transcript of that interview. All responses made by Parker represent direct quotes.

Parker: We did the review, which we do. We begin to talk to people, but nothing in any of these – that any of these people we talked to – said was a violation of the Code of Ethics. It might have been bad judgment, but it wasn’t a violation of the Code of Ethics.

Parker: Then, we talked to the attorney, you know Harbin Hartley etc. and the attorney there concurred there was not a Code of Ethics violation.

Parker: Now, I’ve got one person who says the student refused and the other one said no, she was out of town. So, I’m unclear at this particular moment about why the student has not yet been talked to or was not talked to other than with the information that they had, and the conversations, there was really nothing to indicate that here had been any profanity, no pushing, no kind of abuse that would be a Code of Ethics violation.

The GRIP: If a teacher verbally attacks or verbally assaults a student, and the result is that the student is literally hysterical – is that emotionally distraught – you’re telling me the attorney said that’s not verbal abuse?”

Parker: I’m telling you what the attorney and HR people talked about and that’s what they told me. I don’t know and I didn’t witness who was verbal with who or any of that, so I cannot say that. I’m just telling you what the attorney said. Anything that came to light from the discussion they had with people led them to believe it was a case of abuse, a violation of the Code of Ethics and it would be the abuse one.

The GRIP: Standard 10 of the Code of Ethics: Professional Conduct – An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards and preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, any conduct that impairs and/or diminishes the certificate holder’s ability to function professionally in his or her employment position, or behavior or conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline or morals of students.

The GRIP: Does screaming at a student until the child is hysterical violate that?

Parker: Again, from the information that they received from the people that they interviewed, there was no indication that there was any violation of the Code of Ethics.

The GRIP: What would the GSCSS HR Department consider to be verbal abuse of a student?

Parker: Well, the examples that I was just given was profanity, as an example. There was no profanity and there was no hitting, but again, I’m telling you what the HR people and the attorney said, and that was that there was no, I mean, I guess it depends on what the witnesses said. That’s what it’s all based on.

The GRIP: So, basically what you’re saying is that if a teacher does not use profanity, they can say anything else they want to a student and that’s okay.

Parker: No, I’m not saying that.

The GRIP: Well, if profanity is the litmus test for whether a teacher is verbally abusive…..

Parker: No, I said that the witnesses said that there was no indication of physical abuse or profanity. Those were the two examples that she gave right then talking about this topic.

The GRIP: So, then my question becomes the witnesses – the people who were interviewed – how did they describe the verbal altercation?

Parker: Well, that is not a public record. This was conversations. There’s no written record, and that’s not something I can tell you, and I don’t have it.

The GRIP: You referred to them as interviews. An interview is not a conversation.

Parker: Well, it was a conversation. It was a preliminary conversation that could or could not lead to an investigation. After she talked with the attorney, then there was going to be no investigation because they didn’t have any information in these conversations.

The GRIP: So, none of the people who were interviewed as part of this official review…

Parker: Gave any information that indicated this should be a full-blown investigation because there was a violation of the Code of Ethics.

The GRIP: So, none of them indicated that Kristie Hall demonstrated conduct that failed to follow generally-recognized professional standards?

Parker: Right.

The GRIP: So, her screaming at that student – her screaming at that student until that child was hysterical – according to Human Resources, was okay?

Parker: No, you’re just putting words in our mouths.

The GRIP: No. Okay, well, then I need you to explain to me. If it was not okay, then why was there no disciplinary action?

Parker: No, I don’t. But see, you’re going on the supposition that was what the witnesses told – or the people that were talked told.

The GRIP: Well, that’s why I asked you how did those witnesses describe the altercation.

Parker: Well, and that is an employee issue and we are not going to go into that. It’s not a public record. We stand by our statement that HR talked with people and in conference with an attorney determined that there was not any violation of the Code of Ethics and would therefore not deem a full investigation.

The GRIP: During the course of these interviews that were conducted as part of this official review process, were Griffin-Spalding County School System officials told that the student was emotionally distraught?

Parker: I do not know. I cannot tell you that. I don’t know the answer to that.

The GRIP: So, none of this was documented?

Parker: None of these investigative things – until it’s finalized and goes to the PSC and all that – they’re not public records.

Parker concluded, “Well, you have our statement.”

The first altercation occurred during a rest stop on a travel day as the group was being transported through Australia by bus.

The second altercation occurred on a catamaran trip during which Hall has admitted she consumed alcohol.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The GRIP has responded to a subpoena in a federal civil rights trial demanding Publisher Sheila Mathews produce work product associated with multiple investigative reports primarily involving the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

The subpoena was issued as part of Civil Action No. 3-15-CV-163-TCB – Jessica Kelley, et al. v. Captain David Gibson, in his individual and official capacities, et al.

According to the legal documents, the plaintiffs’ legal counsel seeks to compel The GRIP to produce, “Any investigative notes, records, recordings, text messages, documents, emails and things, including but not limited to any articles published electronically or otherwise by The GRIP, pertaining to The GRIP’s investigations into Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Former Sheriff Wendell Beam, Sheriff Darrell Dix, former Captain David Gibson, Jessica Kelly, Catherine Lewis, Karen Law, Misty Piper, Kimberly Barnett, Melanie Bowen and/or Susan Bohannon.”

Mathews, represented by Tom Clyde, an attorney who serves on the Georgia First Amendment Foundation Board of Directors, responded by filing an objection to the subpoena’s demands.

As a non-party in the federal case, The GRIP’s objection states, “Pursuant to Federal R. of Civ. P. 45(d)(2)(B), non-party The Grip hereby responds and objects to the Subpoena for Production of Documents as follows:

Request 1: Any investigative notes, records, recordings, text messages, documents, emails and things, including but not limited to any articles published electronically or otherwise by The Grip, pertaining to The Grip’s investigations in Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Former Sheriff Wendell Beam, Sheriff Darrell Dix, Former Captain David Gibson, Jessica Kelly, Catherine Lewis, Karen Law, Misty Piper, Kimberly Barnett, Melanie Bowen and/or Susan Bohannon.

Response: The Grip objects to this Request pursuant to the First Amendment to the United States and Georgia Constitutions, federal common law and O.C.G.A. § 24-5- 508. Under established law in this Circuit, The Grip is accorded a qualified privilege to refuse disclosure of information or materials obtained in the gathering or dissemination of the news, including those requested here. The Grip accordingly objects to the production of the materials requested – other than any responsive published materials – to the extent any such materials exist. See United States v. Capers, 708 F.3d 1286, 1302-04 (11th Cir. 2013). See also O.C.G.A. § 24-5- 508 (reporters’ shield law); In re Paul, 270 Ga. 680, 684 (Ga. 1999).

To the extent this Request seeks published materials, The Grip objects to this Request as overly broad and unduly burdensome in that, among other reasons, The Grip has published dozens of reports over a multi-year period regarding the individuals identified in the Request. Those reports are equally available to the parties in this action at The Grip’s website, the-grip.net.”

Eleanor Atwood, lead attorney for the plaintiff’s in the case, has not responded to The GRIP’s objection.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Pre-employment testing records for former GPD Officer Tyler Cooper indicate some portions raised questions regarding whether he should have been hired to police the city of Griffin.

As part of the hiring process, the GPD administers an examination called the Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP), which is commonly referred to as a psychological evaluation.

The results of Cooper’s 180-question exam shed insight into the information GPD officials had prior to recommending him to be hired.

The results, as they are broken down by section, are shown below.

VALIDITY
Comprehension: It appears that Tyler Cooper read and understood the survey items and did not respond in a random manner.
Distortion: This appears to be a valid survey. It appears in general that Tyler Cooper read the items carefully and the responses appear to be realistically truthful and likely to reflect his current status.

ETHICS
The Ethics scale measures the applicant’s responses to items related to their value system. The items cover areas such as past misconduct, reporting theft, inter-thief loyalty, hypothetical theft situations, etc. A high score is generally consistent with an applicant who rejects dishonest behavior and dishonest values. Studies show that applicants with good values are less likely to engage in a significant misconduct on the job. Tyler Cooper scored at the 95 percentile on the Ethics scale.

REPORTING
This scale has items related to reporting dishonest behavior. Inter-thief loyalty and the importance of reporting dishonest behavior. A high score on this scale indicates that the applicant understands the importance of reporting dishonest behavior and is therefore more likely to report job related dishonest. Tyler Cooper scored at the 100 percentile on the Reporting scale.

SOCIALIZATION
The Socialization scale items relate to patience, flexibility, tolerance for frustration, and rule conformance. A high score on the Socialization scale indicates the applicant perceives himself as more sensitive and conforming to social customs than other applicants. Thus, persons in the high percentile range are reflecting moral uprightness, tolerance for frustration, and sensitivity towards others. Tyler Cooper scored at the 85 percentile on the Socialization scale.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Customer Service Scale has items regarding customer care, approach and involvement with customers, empathy, tolerance and problem solving. A high score on this scales correlates with employees that have been rated above average on customer orientation, product focus, attentiveness, reliability and rule conformance. Tyler Cooper scored at the 69 percentile on the Customer Service scale.

ILLEGAL DRUG ATTITUDES
The Drug Use scale is designed to assess the applicant’s views concerning illegal drug use. A high score on this scale generally indicates that the applicant reported negative views about the use of illegal drugs. Someone who believes illegal drug usage is wrong is unlikely to cause the company any significant drug related problems. Tyler Cooper scored at the 100 percentile on the Drug Use scale.

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND
The Employment Background scale has items reflecting rule conformance, interpersonal conflict, longevity, and job performance. A low score indicates that a significant number of questions were answered in a manner that would make thorough reference checking advisable. Tyler Cooper scored at the 17 percentile on the Employment Background scale.

WORK ETHIC
The Work Ethic scale has questions relating to the applicant’s ability to get along with bosses and co-workers, longevity, initiative, work drive, and overall work attitude. A high score is believed to represent someone who is likely to be conscientious, hard-working, and task oriented. Tyler Cooper scored at the 70 percentile on the Work Ethic scale.

ABSENTEEISM
The Absenteeism scale has items focusing on dependability and attitudes regarding missing days. A high score indicates that the applicant is conscientious about coming to work and is unlikely to miss days from work without good cause. Tyler Cooper scored at the 76 percentile on the Absenteeism scale.

TARDINESS
The Tardiness scale has questions which focus on the applicant’s beliefs about coming to work late or taking long breaks. A high score indicates that the applicant recognizes the importance of being timely and is therefore less likely to be late or take long breaks without good cause. Tyler Cooper scored at the 100 percentile on the Tardiness scale.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION
The Overall Recommendation scale is a blend of questions from throughout the survey. These items were selected because they statistically differentiated whether or not professional interviewers would overall recommend or not recommend the applicant for the job. A high score generally reflects those applicants who are considered a “good hiring risk” by professional employment interviewers. Tyler Cooper scored at the 56 percentile on the Overall Recommendation scale.

DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF SURVEY RESPONSES
Item responses should not be used as the sole basis for making a hiring decision. Occasionally an applicant may inadvertently mark the wrong circle. These responses are printed to give employers insight into the applicant’s value system and to prompt further inquiry or investigation.

ETHICS
Admissions: Tyler Cooper indicated he:
Has broken company rules he could have been fired for
Has taken property from jobs without approval (question 95) No answer given
Has intentionally cheated a company he worked for
It is suggested that this applicant be given a security interview to determine the extent of the misconduct and whether it is relevant to this job.
Tyler Cooper indicated he has been at least a little tempted to commit a crime.

REPORTING
No reportable items

SOCIALIZATION
Getting along: Tyler Cooper indicated that:
He gets frustrated if interrupted while working on something important.
He has raised his voice in an argument at work or school.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer Interaction: Tyler Cooper indicated he would prefer to work alone rather than with a group of people.

ILLEGAL DRUG ATTITUDES
No reportable items

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND
Work History: Tyler Cooper indicated he:
Will probably get at least one bad reference (question 123) Unclear answer given.
Has received a verbal warning at a job.
Has received a written warning at a job.
Has had a boss that expressed concern over his job performance.

WORK ETHIC
Work Drive: Tyler Cooper indicated that he believes past bosses might say he should work harder.

ABSENTEEISM
No reportable items.

TARDIENSS
No reportable items.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announce that arrests have been made in the 1983 murder of Timothy Coggins.

Coggins was murdered in October 1983 on Manley Road. He suffered multiple forms of trauma that resulted in his death.

Brutally murdered, his body was abandoned in a grassy area adjacent to a high-tension powerline on Manley Road in the Sunnyside area of northern Spalding County.

Soon after his body was discovered, investigators of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office began interviewing acquaintances, developing suspects and gathering evidence in their search for Coggins’ killer.

After an exhaustive investigation the case went cold and until now, had remained unsolved.

In March 2017, new evidence came to light that led investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office to re-examine the case.

Spalding County investigators and GBI agents met with the Coggins family on July 26, and briefed them on the new leads. They have stayed in contact with family representatives since that time.

Shortly after meeting with the Coggins family, the decision was made to release to the media information on the re-opened case to generate new conversations, witnesses and leads.

Original witnesses were contacted and re-interviewed, and new information was received. Thanks to the assistance of both local and statewide news media coverage, previously unknown witnesses stepped forward.

When interviewed, many of the witnesses stated they had been living with this information since Coggins’ death, but had been afraid to come forward or had not spoken of it until now.

Each new lead was checked out and followed up. This attention to detail slowed the pace of the investigation, but was necessary to ensure that no stone was left unturned, and that the investigation was successful.

The ultimate goal was to get the justice Timothy Coggins and his family have waited for since 1983, authorities said.

Based on the original evidence recovered in 1983 and new evidence and interviews there is no doubt in the minds of all investigators involved that the crime was racially motivated and that if the crime happened today it would be prosecuted as a hate crime.

Today, Oct. 13, 2017, 34 years and four days after Timothy Coggins’ body was discovered abandoned off Manley Road, a joint effort between the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office has resulted in arrests for the murder of Timothy Coggins and additional arrests for other criminal acts discovered during the renewed investigation.

Friday morning, investigators, agents, and deputies made those arrests and executed search warrants seizing evidence and documents related to these crimes.

Officials stress that this investigation is not over. It has entered a new phase leading up to the prosecution of those people responsible for this heinous crime, and those that obstructed or hindered this investigation, authorities said.

Standing together Friday were members of the Coggins family, agents of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, District Attorney Ben Coker, Chief Assistant District Attorney Marie Broder, Spalding County Sheriff’s investigators and Spalding County government officials.

“We are sending a message that we want to make crystal clear. If you are a criminal, murderer, drug dealer or gang member you are no longer welcome or tolerated in Spalding County. We will do everything we can to stop you regardless of who you are, where you come from, and as demonstrated today, regardless of time or distance,” read a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Timothy Coggins family and we will support them and stand with them as the prosecution of his murderers’ moves forward.”

Arrested in connection with Coggins’ murder were:

Frankie Gebhardt, a white male, age 59, who is charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another.

Bill Moore Sr., a white male, age 58, who is charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another.

Charged with obstruction are Sandra Bunn, a white female, age 58 and Lamar Bunn, a white male, age unknown.

Gregory Huffman, a white male, age 47, is charged with violating his oath of office and obstruction.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

It has been announced that Spalding County Assistant County Manager Eric Mosely has been hired to fill the newly-created and short-term position of assistant county manager in Troup County. This position is temporary as an interim step to assuming the position of county manager upon the November 2018 retirement of current Troup County Manager Tod Tentler.

Mosley will continue in his current Spalding County position through the end of 2017, and will on Jan. 2, 2018, assume his leadership role in Troup County.

“What I really want people to know is that we’ve really loved Spalding County. My wife and I really love the community. We are just turning to the next chapter of our lives with hopes to make a lasting impact in Troup County,” Mosley said.

He praised Spalding County officials, particularly County Manager William Wilson, from whom he says he has learned much.

“I have really enjoyed working for the Spalding county Board of Commissioners. William Wilson has been an amazing boss, and I have learned everything that I know from him. I look forward to taking that newfound knowledge and being able to sort of grow on that – to kind of mentor up and coming managerial staff over in Troup County. William has spent a lot of time mentoring me, and I know that he will stay on speed dial on my phone for the rest of my career.”

Mosley has served Spalding County since January 2015.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Roxie Davis, a fourth-grade teacher at Orrs Elementary School, has received an official letter of directive related a classroom lesson that included the sharing of a CNN 10 Kid News clip about President Donald Trump’s comments pertaining to some NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem.
The disciplinary action followed an investigation conducted by the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
The letter of directive acknowledges the classroom activity “met the requirement of the standards,” but described it as “an extremely hot topic that was further inflamed by your sharing personal beliefs with your students.”
It goes on to state, “This letter of directive is given to remind you that it is not the policy of our school or district that we share personal or political beliefs with students or others that may cause your role as an educator to be compromised. It is important that we remain neutral on issues to maintain a clear line of open communication and not allow our personal feelings and beliefs to cloud anyone’s opinion or become offensive in their eyes. All instruction should be tied directly to the standards without any personal political interjections.”
Davis reportedly told students she, herself, would kneel as NFL players are doing, and that if she ever stood, it would be under force. Davis later wrote a letter of apology to Orrs Elementary School parents that stated in part, “Regrettably, I made a judgment in error by expressing some of my views on the NFL protest and the Pledge of Allegiance. While I may have shared my opinion on these topics, I also expressed that people think differently about many topics and I respect varying viewpoints on all matters, including this.”
The letter of directive, issued by Orrs Elementary Principal Evelyn Jones, also stated, “Continuation of this type of action may result in further disciplinary action up to and including a recommendation for termination.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) has accepted the resignation of Aleshia McCray as principal of Cowan Road Elementary School.

Hoby Davenport will on Monday, Oct. 30, assume the position of interim principal while the search for McCrary’s replacement is conducted.

McCray was placed on leave Oct. 5, 2017, pending the outcome of a formal investigation that was conducted by the school system.

GSCSS on Friday announced the investigation has concluded, and alleges several violations were substantiated.

McCray allegedly falsified several documents related to the use of Title I funds, which officials say resulted in GSCSS Federal Programs having to write a corrective action plan. Due to this alleged fraudulent misuse of Title I funds, GSCSS must repay the funds as mandated by the Georgia Department of Education. There is no evidence that McCray misappropriated funds for her own use.

McCray allegedly was insubordinate by not following directives given to her by her previous supervisor and the superintendent.

McCray allegedly allowed classified employees to work off the clock. Officials say this violation required the GSCSS Human Resources Department to reconcile the employee hours and pay them for time worked according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

McCray allegedly violated three professionalism standards under the Professional Standards Commission’s Code of Ethics:

Honesty

Public Funds and Property

Professional Conduct

A statement released by school system administration reads in part, “Griffin-Spalding County School System takes this matter very seriously and does not tolerate any violation of the Georgia Professional Standards for educators, nor this type of behavior from any employee. In fact, the district expects high professional standards for every employee, especially school level administrators.

To ensure that the instructional team at Cowan Road Elementary remains dedicated to delivering quality instruction to students in a nurturing and positive environment, GSCS is naming Mr. Hoby Davenport as interim principal effective October 30, 2017 to allow time for the district to conduct a thorough search for a permanent principal. Mr. Davenport is a retired GSCS principal who previously served as principal at Cowan Road Elementary.

GSCS’ top priority is to ensure that we create a culture and climate conducive for educators to provide the highest level of instruction to students in a safe, secure student-centered environment. The district is committed to ensuring that all employees at Griffin-Spalding County School System feel safe, welcome and respected in their profession.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a body in a closed motel on North Expressway.

According to Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates, the body pertains to an open case at the Sheriff’s Office.

“I believe a deceased missing person was found there,” Yates said. “This person was missing from Spalding County, so we turned it over to the Sheriff’s Department.”

The GRIP contacted Capt. Dwayne Jones, of the SCSO, asking if this development is related to the missing person case of Timothy Allen Johnson, who was reported missing Dec. 5.

Jones declined to answer, citing a press release he is working on for release later today.

Information previously released regarding the Johnson missing person case reported the man’s vehicle was located the parking lot of Crestview Baptist Church Dec. 11. That church is next door to the closed motel where the deceased body was located.

“There was a body recovered, and we don’t believe there was any foul play involved. The body has, of course, been transported to the GBI Crime Lab,” said Jones. “It was the old Holiday Inn, which was the Howard Johnson’s, which is up there at Highway 19 and Lucky Street.”

The GRIP will continue to follow this developing story and report additional information as it becomes available.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Authorities say the body discovered Sunday, Feb. 11, in a closed Griffin motel is believed to be that of Timothy Allen Johnson, who was reported missing Dec. 11, 2017.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, an unnamed person who was committing a theft at the former Howard Johnson property located at 1690 North Expressway discovered a possible body inside an interior wall.

This unidentified person reported his discovery to Spalding County 911 approximately three hours later.

Lt. Joe Hudson, of the Griffin Police Department, responded to the scene and noted a foul odor coming from one of the rooms in the building.

Hudson forced entry into the abandoned property and located a body in between the interior walls in the plumbing access area.

Hudson notified Griffin Fire-Rescue, and based on his knowledge of the previously-filed missing person report on Timothy Johnson, also reported the discovery to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

Dix, lead investigator Ray Hightower and Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster, along with other investigators and crime scene personnel, responded to the scene.

Entry was made to the area where the body was located, and identification documents found on the remains indicated Timothy Johnson.

Griffin Fire-Rescue personnel, with the assistance of crime scene investigators, extricated the body, which was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy and positive identification.

Authorities say foul play is not expected, but autopsy results are being awaited. The autopsy is scheduled for early Tuesday morning.

Dix, Foster and Hightower met with Johnson’s mother and discussed with her the discovery of this body.

Johnson was last seen Dec. 6, 2017, and was reported missing Dec. 11.

Johnson’s truck was ultimately located in the parking lot of Crestview Baptist Church, which is adjacent to the Howard Johnson’s property.

Officials say SCSO investigators searched that property on three occasions, and cadaver K9s searched the area twice early in the investigation.

Dix expressed his appreciation to the Griffin Police Department and Griffin Fire-Rescue for their assistance in this case.

“Griffin P.D. and Griffin firefighters provided valuable assistance in locating the remains. We appreciate their assistance with the investigation,” Dix said.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Cowan Road Elementary School is on lockdown as a result of an alleged drive-by shooting incident that occurred in its vicinity.

According to Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident did not involve the elementary school.

“There were some shots fired over in the Hallmark subdivision, so just out of caution, we locked the school down,” Dix said. “It was not at the school. It wasn’t at the school. It was at the neighborhood across from the school.”

Dix said the drive-by is under investigation.

“There was allegedly a guy standing on the corner, and someone drove by and fired some shots at him,” Dix said. “It was reported by a third party.”

Dix said some information on the shooting has been obtained.

“I have investigators over there right now,” he said, adding that they do have a description of the vehicle involved in the incident.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Thursday morning fight at Spalding High School has resulted in the arrest of one student.

According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, the fight led to the school being placed on a brief soft lock down.

“There was a fight, and a student was taken into custody. The school was put on a soft lock down for just a few minutes by the administration,” Dix reported.

One student, who has not been identified, is currently in custody at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

“The student has been transported here (to the SCSO) to be processed by our juvenile investigators and will be released by his parents,” Dix said.

Dix stressed that this morning’s SHS incident did not involve a weapon.

STAFF REPORT :::

The body located in the former Howard Johnson’s motel on North Expressway has been positively identified as that of Timothy Allen Johnson.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, Johnson’s body was lodged in a wall in a plumbing chase between two rooms in the abandoned motel.

Authorities say it is believed Johnson was committing copper theft at the time of his death.

“All indications are that Johnson was in the wall stripping copper from plumbing when he died. Investigators found cutting tools, flashlights, and copper piping that had been cut for removal. An autopsy performed by the GBI Crime Lab showed that there was no trauma to Johnson’s body and foul play is not involved. The way that his body was positioned in the wall and evidence recovered around him indicates that he was not dumped there as has been rumored. It will be months before results of toxicology tests are available that may shed more light on the cause of his death,”

Dix also addressed previous searches conducted at that location by SCSO investigators and K9s.

“The hotel was searched by investigators from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office twice and Griffin Police Department and Spalding Sheriff’s Investigators combined an additional time during the period that Johnson was missing. Two of those times the searches were conducted with the use of cadaver dogs. Each of these searches, room to room, the office areas, and anywhere else we could access, including the searches with cadaver dogs, yielded no results. Even the rooms that we were specifically asked to search yielded no results. The location where Timothy Johnson’s body was found was in an area that was closed off, low to the ground, and dark,” Dix said. “The area could not be accessed unless you cut into the wall in just the right place, and to recover his body, we had to remove an entire section of wall from one area. We met with Timothy Johnson’s mother and other family members at the hotel this morning and at their request, showed them the area and walked them through the events that led up to the discovery of the body.”

Dix confirmed the individual who located Johnson’s body will not receive the reward that had been offered for information in the missing person case.

“It appears that the person who located Johnson’s body was there to strip copper from the building as well when he stumbled upon the body. We have spoken to him, questioned him at length, and have determined that he had nothing to do with Johnson’s death. Due to the discovery being made during the attempt to commit a crime he will not receive the reward that was offered,” he said.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Thanks to the initiative taken by two of the city’s finest – Lt. Karen Yancy and Sgt. Kelly McKinney – the Griffin Police Department now has a Therapy Dog Program in place.

Gracie, and shar pei/Labrador mix, and Chevy, a pit bull, are the GPD’s newest K9 officers that will be utilized to serve special victims.

According to GPD Chief Mike Yates, this program came to fruition through the personal efforts of Yancy and McKinney, who approached him about the possibility of using their own personal dogs to assist crime victims.

“They talked to me about the idea. It’s becoming – I wouldn’t say common, but not uncommon – across the country to have the therapy dogs to assist with victims, like child victims of sexual assault and things of that nature,” Yates said. “The idea behind it is to give the victims some comfort level when they’re having to relive their experience and go through the forensic interview process or the court testimony process, to have that dog there to kind of support them emotionally through that traumatic event.”

Although the use of therapy dogs is expanding, Yates said they are not yet in common use in Georgia.

“The only place that we found in Georgia that was currently using any program like that was, I believe, the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, or at least that was all we could find out about when we first started looking into it,” he said.

An expert in the field previously known by Yates also played an important role in the development of this therapy dog program.

“When we started looking into the possibilities of doing the program, a K9 trainer that I know, we asked him to evaluate their dogs to see how he thought they would fit – how he thought they would perform in that program. He pretty much evaluated them both and thought they would be good candidates for the program,” Yates said.

At that point, Yancy and McKinney undertook full financial responsibility for the next rigorous steps in the process.

“So, after that, I just kind of hooked that trainer up with Lt. Yancy and Sgt. McKinney, and through their own initiative and their own expense out of their pockets, they got with this trainer, went through the training and then put themselves through a fairly extensive certification process to get these dogs to the place where they could actually be utilized,” Yates explained.

Once the training and certification had been obtained fully at Yancy and McKinney’s personal expense, Yates approached the Griffin Board of Commissioners to formally request a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to relieve the two officers of sole future financial responsibility.

“Once they completed that certification at their expense, that’s when I approached the city about an MOU just to kind of help them out with the cost of maintaining the animals, and that’s how we got to where we’re at,” Yates said. “I think we have enough funds in our K9 donation account to cover any expenses that they may have, so at least if we get this thing up and running, there will be no taxpayer dollars involved in it.”

“I anticipate this being a very valuable tool. I’m a big K9 dog person, anyway, and I believe I know the value this program can have. We’re going to be willing to do it for the other surrounding counties and things like that upon request, so it’s not going to be something limited to us, unless it gets so big that we just can’t handle it. It’s a great pilot program at least, and we’re hopeful that it will really get a foothold and take off. I feel quite confident once we get up and running, that it will be more than embraced. We’re definitely going to follow it and see what kind of impact it has,” Yates said. “I think that the emphasis on this one would be the personal time, the personal expense and the dedication of those two women to do this on behalf of victims here in Spalding County. He put them together with the trainer, but everything else was at their initiative. I think it speaks very highly of them.”