A group of local community leaders led by Bird Hodges held the 2023 Bulloch County Public Servants awards dinner on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Kiwanis community building. Bulloch County Sheriff's Office Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French were named the Bulloch County Public Safety 2023 Officers of the Year. Thirteen public safety member were nominated for Officer of the Year. In addition, Bulloch County Sheriff's Administrator Sheryl Hagan and SPD APO Arion Waters received a Meritouius Service Award.
The 13 Public Safety Officers of the Year nominees were:
- Statesboro Police Department APO Arion Waters
- Bulloch County 911 - Keishuna Williams
- Bulloch County Fire Department - Captain Mike Rushing
- GBI Region 5 - Special Agent Brett Dickerson
- Georgia Southern University Department of Public Safety - Investigator Trevor Williams
- Air Evac 95 - Flight Paramedic Kim Williams
- Bulloch County EMS - Paramedic Ryan Jones
- Georgia State Patrol Post 45 - Master Trooper Chris Cuddington
- Bulloch County Sheriff's Office - Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French
- Statesboro Fire Department - Captian Justin Taylor
The annual dinner was established in 1976 and the awards portion of the program was added in 2018.
All Bulloch County Public Servants are invited to attend the annual event free of charge. In addition, Hodges and his team provide to-go plates for all public servants working on Thursday night who could not attend the event in person. 130 public safety officers attended the event and 125 public safety officers who were working received to-go plates.
Hodges thanked the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro for hosting and sponsoring the event. Ellis Meats provided the low country boil meal.
Assisting Hodges with the event is John Smith, Ricky Helton, Laura Moore and the Deal’s Funeral Directors team.
The nominations selection committee, which includes retired Statesboro Police Chief Stan York, retired GBI SAC Charles Sikes and Bulloch County Commissioner Jappy Stringer, selects the award recipients.
Every Bulloch County Public Safety agency nominates an outstanding public servant from their department. From the thirteen nominees, the selection committee choose the Public Safety Officer of the Year. This is the highest honor given to a public safety officer annually.
The evening was filled with stories of dedication, bravery and commitment to our community by these men and women. It also identifies the incredible sacrifices these men and women make to help protect our community daily.
Bulloch County Public Safety 2023 Officers of the Year - BCSO Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French
Bulloch County Sheriff's Office Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French were the recipients of the 2023 Public Safety Officer of the Year award. They both have exhibited the courage and willingness to sacrifice that makes both worthy of this award. Corporal Williams and Deputy French were both hired by Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office initially to work as Detention Officers in the Jail. Corporal Williams had a Department of Corrections background that included service with the D.O.C. Tactical Team. Deputy French had an extensive military background. Both were selected to attend the Georgia Police Academy, and were subsequently promoted to Patrol Deputies after a period of dedicated service working in the Jail.
Heroic night of service
January 7th 2023 Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French responded to a family violence call in a mobile home park just outside of Statesboro. There was a report of a subject physically assaulting his disabled father. The location of this incident was well known to the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, as it was the source of multiple calls for service.
Upon arrival at the call location the two Deputies observed visible injuries to the victim and realized they would have to place the offender under arrest. It was immediately apparent the offender was not going to cooperate and would have to be physically placed in handcuffs. He refused to comply with commands from the two Law Enforcement Officers and became increasingly belligerent as he stood on the handicap ramp built onto the mobile home.
What would happen next demonstrates how quickly a routine arrest escalates into a life or death situation. Corporal Williams and Deputy French both deployed their tasers in an attempt to use non-lethal force to effect the arrest. The two Deputies realized the offender was fumbling with a handgun he had retrieved from concealment as he was being tased.
Both Deputies were able to transition from their tasers to their duty weapons as the offender opened fire on them. Corporal Williams fell backwards on the ramp as he backed away, attempting to create space between himself and the armed offender while returning fire. Deputy French was able to jump off of the ramp and return fire through the handrails of the ramp. The two ceased fire but continued with a second volley when they realized the suspect was still trying to shoot them.
By the time the incident was over the suspect lay mortally wounded at the bottom of the ramp. There were two bullet holes from the offender's gun in almost the exact location of the ramp where Deputy Williams landed on his back and returned fire. Corporal Williams, a father of three, was miraculously uninjured. Deputy Walter French, an experienced Army Veteran, attempted to provide first aid to the offender. You can hear Deputy French encouraging the wounded suspect on his bodycam video saying "C'mon, stay with me!".
“It seems like events such as these always occur when we in Law Enforcement are least expecting them. I can assure you that no one on duty at my office that day would have thought that two of their brother law enforcement officers would end their shift in a gun battle; fighting for their lives on a handicap ramp in a mobile home park. But for whatever reason, Corporal Austin Williams and Deputy Walter French were together on that call,” said Sheriff Noel Brown. “I will always say a Higher Power was at work that day, and somehow put them together to save each other. I hope you will join me in recognizing, not only the valor of these two men, but the composure and skill they exhibited under fire.”
Public Servant Officers of the Year Award Nominees
Each public safety agency nominates an outstanding individual from their agency for the award. During the ceremony each nominee was introduced and a brief explanation of why they were nominated by their department head. Each nominee received an Public Safety Officer of the Year Nominee plaque. Below are the other 11 nominees and a little about their service to our community.
Statesboro Police Department - APO Arion Waters
On Saturday, April 4, 2023 at approximately 7:40 pm, Statesboro Police Department's Advanced Patrol Officer (APO) Arion Waters was on duty and was dispatched to an emergency in the swimming pool area of the Cambridge Pines apartment complex. Upon arrival he discovered that a small child had been found in the pool, and was not conscious. He immediately began life saving efforts including CPR. The scene was chaotic, as the mother of the child was present, along with several other people. APO Waters remained calm and continued resuscitation efforts until the arrival of EMS. Once at the hospital, APO Waters remained with the family, offering them comfort while medical staff worked on the child.
Although the child did not survive, APO Waters gave the young girl a fighting chance.
APO Waters then decided to help prevent future, similar incidents. He contacted the Parks Department and coordinated a “Water Safety Day” where local kids and their parents were invited to the pool at Luetta Moore Park to learn about safety in and around water. This training was conducted by Parks staff including life guards and swimming instructors. More than 120 kids signed up for this event. APO Waters coordinated the attendance of several officers, had lunch provided by Feed the Boro for the families, and collected life preservers and goggles to give away. APO Waters then collected enough donations to sponsor 50 kids to take swimming lessons through the Parks Department!
It was amazing to watch this officer spend his time and resources to address a tragedy in a way that definitely benefited the community. His efforts may very well lead to saving a life!
Bulloch County 911 - Keishuna Williams
This nomination which is from her peers, shows that they think she is a role model at our 911 center. Keishuna is one of 911's training officers. She shows superior performance that goes beyond the normal expectation of the job. She holds her to the highest of standards and her expects the same from the trainees and other employees that she works with. She has the qualities of compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to her job to the best of her abilities.
Bulloch County Fire Department - Captain Mike Rushing
The Bulloch County Fire Department nominated Captain Mike Rushing, a volunteer firefighter, for the Public Servant of the Year. Mike oversees the volunteers at Station 7 (Brooklet) and Station 8 (Leefield). The department relies upon him to oversee his station and make sure everyone is performing at a high level. Mike has been with Leefield Volunteer Fire Department and now Bulloch County Fire since May 1, 1995. He has responded to 78 calls over the past year and had more than 112 training hours, all while working full-time at Briggs and Stratton. It is well known that Mike maintains the cleanest station and trucks in the department and his station is located on a dirt road. He is meticulous about his apparatus, station, and paperwork. He is the first to respond to any emergency we have. When storms threaten our county, Mike is riding the roads many miles from his station, removing trees and opening up the roads. He is also an EMT and responds to medical emergencies at all times during the night. His dedication is an inspiration to us all and because of this, we recognize Mike Rushing as Bulloch County Fire Department's Public Servant of the Year nominee.
GBI Region 5 - Special Agent Brett Dickerson
The GBI Region 5 Office nominated Special Agent Brett Dickerson for the 2023 Bulloch County Public Servant Award. Brett has spent much of his law enforcement career with the Screven County Sheriff’s Office where he served in multiple roles. He worked alongside several GBI agents over his 20+ year career at SCSO before deciding to join the GBI and being assigned to the Region 5- Statesboro Field Office.
Brett was hired by the GBI in 2021 where he has been assigned as one of two Crime Scene Specialists at Region 5. Brett was the sole crime scene specialist for nearly a year, working and responding to nearly every crime scene in the Region 5 territory. Brett has been selfless in this role, often giving up his free time to ensure the tasks were completed at work. Brett stepped into this position with a vast knowledge of law enforcement related topics, but he was slightly limited in his crime scene knowledge. Brett excelled quickly in learning specialized techniques and applying them at various scenes around the region.
Within the last year, Brett has responded to and processed 4 Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) scenes, including one in Bulloch County. The most recent scene was in nearby Effingham County where a total of 12 officers fired their weapons. Along with the OIS cases, he has processed evidence and scenes on 25 other significant cases.
Brett has been selected on several occasions to assist in the training and development of newer agents within the GBI by teaching during crime scene training in the Basic Agent Course at GPSTC. Brett has also trained the newest Region 5 crime scene specialist by teaching her GBI documentation, crime scene techniques and applications, and photography.
Brett also participates in community engagement and involvement in Bulloch County, as well as other areas in the Region 5 area of responsibility. These events have included the Bulloch County Library-Tormenta Soccer Team Touch a Truck Event and the Bulloch Night Out Against Crime. Brett conducts presentations to local schools and has provided information about the GBI to students at Georgia Southern University. Brett is instrumental in the GBI’s internship program where he mentors the interns assigned to the Statesboro Field Office.
Brett is an excellent agent who excels in crime scene examinations. He is reliable, honest, and trustworthy and extremely capable in all aspects of his job assignments.
Georgia Southern University Department of Public Safety - Investigator Trevor Williams
Investigator Trevor Williams began his career with Georgia Southern University DPS in March 2020 as a recruit. Upon graduating from the Police Academy, he served in the Uniform Patrol division. It was clear from the beginning he was not afraid of hard work. He often volunteered for extra duty, assisting other shifts when needed, volunteering for specialized training and doing whatever he could to learn the ins and outs of this business. As a patrol officer, he led the department in DUI traffic enforcement, distracted driving enforcement and field contacts. When assigned a call that required any investigation, instead of taking the initial report and turning it over to CID, he would work the case until it was cleared, If he wasn’t sure about how to proceed, he was not scared or ashamed to ask for advice and assistance. It was also during this time that he began taking classes at GSU full time.
He was promoted to Investigator in 2022 and has continued to maintain his same work ethic. He continues to seek additional duties, often times filling in on Uniformed Patrol when they are short staffed. He is still one of the first ones to volunteer for extra duty and assists wherever he can. All while maintaining his own case load and continuing as a full time student.
Air Evac 95 - Flight Paramedic Kim Williams
Air Evac 95 Statesboro nominated Kim Williams Flight Paramedic for their Public Servant Award Recipient 2023 . Kim has worked in the EMS field in our area for 26 years. She was one of the original crew members hired for Air Evac 95 Statesboro when they opened the base 13 years ago and has completed almost 900 patient flights. Kim has devoted a great deal of time to serving the Statesboro and surrounding communities in her field of expertise. For this it is with great pride and respect that we recommend her for this award.
Bulloch County EMS - Paramedic Ryan Jones
Bulloch County EMS nominated Paramedic Ryan E. Jones. Ryan was employed on November 23rd, 2015, as a part-time medic. He later joined BCEMS as a full-time employee on April 23rd, 2018. During Ryan’s employment, he acquired many additional certifications without monetary compensation. These include numerous EMS instructor certifications. On August 28th, Ryan accepted the new EMS role as Training Officer. This new position was approved in the current fiscal year by the Bulloch County Commissioners. Ryan has accepted the responsibilities of EMS training and the medical training liaison to other county departments. He recently accepted the role of community outreach to several elderly-related care facilities. This relationship with other medical entities illustrates the long-term commitment of BCEMS to the growth of Bulloch County. Ryan’s passion for education and community involvement makes him an excellent choice for the 2023 Public Servant of the Year.
Georgia State Patrol Post 45 - Master Trooper Chris Cuddington
GSP Post 45 nominated Master Trooper Chris Cuddington #923 as Public Servant of the Year. Master Trooper Cuddington, better known as “Cudd,” exemplifies what it means to be a Public Servant. Master Trooper Cuddington began his law enforcement career with the Savannah Police Department in February of 1994. In February of 2001, he was hired on with the Department of Public Safety as a Georgia State Trooper. Master Trooper Cuddington spent the vast majority of his career at Post 42-Rincon before transferring to Post 45-Statesboro. In 2011, Master Trooper Cuddington became a part of the elite State of Georgia SWAT Team. He currently is still an active member of the SWAT Team. He has been on countless missions throughout the State. Master Trooper Cuddington’s work ethic is like none other. While being a part the many missions our SWAT Team conducts, he never slows down back home. He consistently holds his enforcement standards high no matter if he just came off a SWAT detail or is preparing for one. He is also a valuable Field Training Officer. For many years he has shared the knowledge and skills he has as a Trooper to the many up and coming Troopers. The knowledge and mindset he has and continues to build upon is priceless.
Master Trooper Cuddington goes above and beyond when portraying our core beliefs of Trust, Fortitude, Compassion, and Professionalism. He is always willing and enjoys being part of many career days at the local schools and enjoys helping show the caring side of a Public Servant.
As Master Trooper Cuddington progresses in his career with retirement just around the corner, it goes without saying, the citizens of the State of Georgia and the Department of Public Safety will be at a loss for words when he turns that new chapter in his life. In 2024, Master Trooper Cuddington will have been employed and have lived the life of a true Public Servant for 30 years. During that time, he has logged nearly six thousand hours of training. Master Trooper Cuddington’s informal leadership stands like no other. With the humblest spirit at hand and the respect earned from his colleagues, Master Trooper Cuddington sets the standard to be modeled after as a Trooper and as a true Public Servant for all agencies to follow.
Statesboro Fire Department - Captian Justin Taylor
Statesboro Fire Department nominated Captain Justin Taylor for the Public Safety Officer of the Year. Captain Taylor has continually shown a desire to serve others and has a passion for being a public servant. As you will see in this letter, Captain Taylor is undeniably deserving of this honor, embodying the fundamental qualities that this award was created to honor.
Captain Taylor started with the Statesboro Fire Department as a part-time firefighter in 2019. In 2020 Captain Taylor was hired full-time as one of the department’s fire inspectors, was promoted to Administrative Captain in May of 2023 and is currently serving as the Interim Fire Prevention Officer. Before coming to Statesboro, Captain Taylor had worked in Public Safety for nearly a decade in both a career and volunteer capacity. He has worked diligently to obtain numerous certifications at the local, State and National level during his firefighting career as well as since joining the Statesboro Fire Department.
Captain Taylor has earned several awards over his fire service career including being named Firefighter of the Year in 2011 (Glennville Fire Department), as well as a Unit Citation (Pooler Fire Department). During the relatively short time he has been with our department, Captain Taylor has proven to be an invaluable asset. He actively participates in departmental committees and consistently goes above and beyond his duties. His proactive approach to self-improvement and his relentless pursuit of excellence are truly commendable. Captain Taylor exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and self-motivated servant leader. His commitment to both his colleagues within the department and the wider community embodies the spirit of public service.
Captain Taylor’s exemplary leadership, coupled with his ability to lead by example and collaborate effectively with his peers, makes him an outstanding candidate for the Public Safety Officer of the Year award.
Public Servant Meritorious Service Awards
The committee presented the Medal of Meritorious award to Bulloch County Sheriff's Administrator Sheryl Hagan who has over 50 years of service to our community with the Sheriff's Office and to Statesboro Police Department's Advanced Patrol Officer (APO) Arion Waters
Bulloch County Sheriff's Administrator Sheryl Hagan
Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office nominated Sheryl Hagan for the Meritorious Service Award. Sheryl spent almost her entire adult life serving at the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office. She served a total of four Sheriffs. Beginning with Sheriff Paul Nevil and going on to work for both Sheriff Arnold Ray Akins and Sheriff Lynn Anderson. She currently serves in Sheriff Noel Brown’s administration. Sheryl was a valuable employee to each Sheriff under which she served. Each Sheriff she worked for certainly would say she was a key member of their administration, and was as close to irreplaceable as you could get. Sheryl was of tremendous help to Sheriff Brown and his staff when he first took office. She knew how the office should operate and there were very few scenarios for which she could not give you the "been there, done that" take on the situation.
When Sheryl started her career in 1973 the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office was a typical "small town" Sheriff's Office in South Georgia. Back then Sheryl dealt with every aspect of office administration along with a lot of other responsibilities.Sheryl was the first female employee to work at the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office. She brought a knack for organization and structure that makes the office what it is today. She helped bring the office from the days of the
typewriter to modem computer technology. Although, as she would tell you, she probably has a love-hate relationship with computers. Sheryl's time at the Sheriff's Office made it a better place and she kept all the Sheriffs going in the right direction. Sheriff Anderson once joked that all Sheriff Akins left him was an old gas can and Sheryl Hagan. It became a running joke around the office. I guess that old gas can is still around the office somewhere. And the time
Sheryl's spent here will always be evident. Evident in her insistence on performing every task as close to perfection as possible, which she passed along to the staff she trained. And evident in their old worn record books, which are inundated with her handwriting. Some of the Sheriffs Sheryl served have passed on. But on the behalf of all of us that you served, thank you for our service to us, Bulloch County and the Office of the Sheriff.
Statesboro Police Department's Advanced Patrol Officer (APO) Arion Waters
Bulloch County Outstanding Public Servant Officer of the Year recipients
- Tracy L. Miller - Bulloch County Sheriff Department - 2018
- Robert L. Scott, Jr. - Georgia State Patrol - 2019
- Merritt Kerns - Statesboro Fire Department - 2020
- Bobby Durden - Bulloch County Sheriff Department - 2020
- Stephen Herndon - Bulloch County Sheriff Department - 2021
- Bobby Ivey - Bulloch County EMS and Portal P.D. - 2021
- Katie Hodges - Georgia Southern University Department of Public Safety - 2022
- Austin Williams and Walter French - Bulloch County Sheriff's Office Deputies - 2023
Public servant deaths for 2023
Each public safety member, retired or active, who died this past year was recognized with a service award. Many of them had family members who attended and received this award and recognition on behalf of their loved one.
- Captian Foy Olliff - Statesboro Fire Department - 1963-1993
- Chief Joe Beasley - Statesboro Fire Department - 1975-2005
- Officer Steven Gravley - Statesboro Police Department - 1999-2019
- Chief Gene McDaniel - Bulloch County Sheriff Office - 1981-2016
- Fireman Winton Wells - Bulloch County Fire Department - 1976-2006
This annual event is one that the public servants look forward to annually. It is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of local businesses and citizens annually.
Below is the live stream of the awards ceremony