About The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 2020)
LOCAL The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com Thursday, February 20, 2020 7A Vowell chosen as interim public safety commissioner Vowell BY MEGAN REED mreed@gainesvilletimes.com Former Tift County Sheriff Gary Vowell will be the state’s interim public safety com missioner, after the Board of Public Safety unanimously approved his appoint ment Wednesday, Feb. 19. Vowell will begin the role March 1. “Gary Vowell is a respected and trusted leader within Georgia’s law enforcement community, and he is a strong public servant who is ready to take the helm at the Department of Public Safety,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement. “Given his background, I know that Gary will be able to easily transition in this important role.” Vowell started his law enforcement career in 1976 in Americus as a communica tions officer for the Georgia State Patrol. He graduated as a member of the 51st Trooper School and was assigned to Post 13 in Tifton. He was later promoted to serve as a field training officer. In 1991, Vowell was promoted to the GSP Safety Education Division and later became a certified Peace Officer Standards and Training instructor for alcohol and drug awareness programs. Vowell retired from the state patrol in 1996, the same year he was elected Tift County sheriff. As sheriff, he supervised 115 employees and managed the county’s 265-bed jail. He retired from public office in i late 2012. He was appointed by former Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Board of Public Safety from 2011 to 2012. “I was honored to receive the governor’s call to serve as interim commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and I am deeply thankful to the board for their confidence in my ability to lead such a critical function of our government,” Vowell said in a state ment. “My entire career has been devoted to keeping Georgia fami lies safe and upholding the high est ideals of integrity in our law enforcement community, and I look forward to working in the Kemp administration.” The Governor’s Office is seeking a permanent public safety commissioner, and anyone interested in the position can email appointments@georgia.gov. Former Public Safety Commissioner Col. Mark McDonough announced his resigna tion Feb. 13 after Kemp told McDonough he wanted new leadership. In January, 30 troopers were fired after being accused of cheating on an online exam for the speed detection operator component of the trooper school’s curriculum. One trooper resigned after the cheating allegations came to light. All of them were August graduates of the 106th Trooper School. Two troopers assigned to the Gainesville post were among those dismissed. The Associated Press contributed to this article. NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY ADVENTURE April 20, 21, 22, 2020 3 Day / 2 Night All Inclusive Payment deadline March 18, 2020. 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The new road will have a 20-foot raised median, 4-foot bike lanes, curb and gut ter and a 5-foot sidewalk on both sides, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The $22.8 million project is set for comple tion May 31. Jeff Gill ROBBERY ■ Continued from 1A rest of the bank employees “acted profes sionally and efficiently.” They were able to provide police with information that led to quick distribution of information and a heavy police presence in the area. “We want to thank our community, FBI, GBI, Hall County Probation, and Hall County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in providing vital information during the course of the investigation,” Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said in the release. “How the bank employees responded while in fear for their lives should also be commended. We are for tunate no one was physically hurt during this incident, but we must continue to show those involved our support as we move forward.” Dixon is being charged with terroristic threats and armed robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call 770-534-5251. %t 6 '« (The (Times Michael Combs MARCH 21, 2020 7:30 PM The Venue at Friendship Springs ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE ONLY: $835*pp Double Occupancy $1,161*pp Single Occupancy CHARLESTON EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURE March 23, 24, 25, 2020 3 Day / 2 Night All Inclusive Payment deadline February 19, 2020. ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE ONLY: $835*pp Double Occupancy $1,161*pp Single Occupancy MEMPHIS HOME OF THE BLUES, SOUL & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL May 18, 19, 20, 21, 2020 4 Day / 3 Night All Inclusive Payment deadline April 13, 2020. ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE ONLY: $1,115*pp Double Occupancy $1,441*pp Single Occupancy For Tour Details: gainesvilletimes.com/memphistour Limited Space, Reserve Today! 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