The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, November 23, 2017, Image 10

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Newspaper Page TextLOCAL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2017 • Page 10 COUNTYWIDE \ Law enforcement officers from agencies throughout DeKalb County came together at Dresden Park Nov. 15 for the unveiling of a fallen officer memorial. Photos by R. Scott Belzer The recently installed memorial lists 42 fallen officers, their agency as well as the date of their end of watch. Bricks at the bottom of the memorial list various sponsors. Honoring DeKalb County's fallen officers Dresden Park memorial honors 42 BY R. SCOTT BELZER sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com Forty-two DeKalb County law enforcement officers will be long remembered following the installation of an official memorial at Dresden Park in Chamblee. Officers from throughout DeKalb County came together on Nov. 15 to celebrate the installation of a DeKalb County Fallen Officers monument at the park, located at 2301 Dresden Drive. The monument— made possible through a partnership among the North Decatur Lions Club, the city of Chamblee and DeKalb County law enforcement agencies— lists 42 officers who died in the line of duty dating back to 1852. The listings include the officer's name, date of their end of watch as well as their agency. DeKalb County Sheriff Moses Formwalt, who died in May 1852, is the first listing on the monument and DeKalb County Police Officer Kevin Toatley, who died in September 2015, is the most recent officer listed. Bricks around the monument list individual and business sponsors who made the Monument possible. "The men and women that we honor here today lived and died believing that what they were doing was right. I believe that as well."said Lions Club District Governor Mark Bradley. "The service this memorial recognizes involves making decisions every single day that affect someone's life." Family members of officers listed on the monument also spoke to the crowd gathered, stressing the importance of law enforcement officers. "I want people in the community to realize how much officers sacrifice by getting up every morning knowing it is a possibility that standing up for someone in the community could cost them their own life,"said one. "It shows the heart, the love and the sacrifice for the community that many are not willing to give. When asked, 'What are you willing to die for?'not many people can answer that question.To die for someone else's family— that's strong." "The book of John 15:13 says,'No greater love is there than this, that a man lay down his life to save a friend,"'said another."I'm willing to say today that officers take this one notch further because they stand ready to lay down their life for someone they have never heard of or [seen] before. All I can do is say thank you from the bottom of my heart." According to DeKalb County Police Chief J.W. Conroy, Lions Club member and longtime supporter of law enforcement Charlene Fang has been working to make the memorial a reality for the past four years. "Now her vision has become a reality,"Conroy said. "This memorial will make sure the sacrifices made by the men and women who died while serving our great community shall never be forgotten." DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who was present on Nov. 15, called Fang "a spirited and wonderful lady." He said the North Decatur Lions Club has supported law enforcement for more than 50 years by hosting the Police Officer of the Year ceremony. "We want to thank [the club] for [its] continued passion and commitment to making sure DeKalb residents and citizens— in our incorporated and unincorporated areas— remember that police officers are public servants of the highest order,"Thurmond said. "They place their lives in jeopardy every day to make sure our families are safe and secure." Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson said it was a special honor for Chamblee to host the new monument. "Thanks to those that serve our communities and serve so bravely," Clarkson said. Butler awarded honorary doctorate Sen. Gloria Butler (D - Stone Mountain) was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trinity International University of Ambassadors, Organization of World Leaders and Trinity Girls Network. The award and hooding ceremony was held on Georgia's Humanitarian Day, Nov. 15, at the state Capitol. "I am humbled and honored to be recognized on Georgia's Humanitarian Day," said Butler. "I am thankful for everything these organizations do to give back to our community. Without your service, we would not be where we are today. I'd also like to congratulate the other recipients and thank them for all they have done for our great state. I look forward to serving in the General Assembly for years to come and helping to make a lasting impact on our communities." Georgia's Humanitarian Day is a day set aside by the state of Georgia to encourage citizens to lead lives of service, to work together for the betterment of the community and to give themselves to improve our nation.

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The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, November 23, 2017, Image 10