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Fallen Heroes
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Growing
Stronger Through The Years
1920's 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 1924The Cobb County Police Department was established with the appointment of two officers, who worked for the Sheriff, directing traffic. They occupied a small office in the basement of the "old" courthouse, on the square in Marietta. 1929 The Police Department was issued its first police vehicle, a Dodge touring car. During the 1940’s, the county owned two 1940 Ford Sedans. Cobb County was growing with industry, population, and especially traffic. Law Enforcement centered around "moonshine" whiskey. In 1940 the population had passed 40,000 people and the Police Department had grown to six officers. 1945 In 1945, Esmer Ward, the senior officer for the Police Department, was appointed the first Chief. He served from 1945-1949 A one-way transmitter provided radio communications. The officers had to find a phone for additional information. 1949 A two-way radio system consisting of a base station and seven mobile radio units were purchased and installed. John Lee becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1949 to 1953. The county population has passed 62,000 people and the Police Department has grown to eight officers. 1953 Ed Hunter becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1953-1956. 1956 Cecil Holt becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1956-1958. 1957 New blue uniforms were acquired for the department, which replaced the black uniforms previously worn. The new uniform consisted of sky blue pants, a white shirt and a bus driver type hat. 1958 Amos Bates becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1958-1965 1959 Cobb County now has hundreds of miles of paved roads and is hard pressed to keep up with vehicular traffic. A two-man motorcycle unit was formed. By 1960 the county population was 114,000 people and the Police Department had twenty-seven officers. Shortly after midnight on June 18, 1960, Lt. John Hood responded to a call concerning drag racing on State Highway 120 east of Marietta, known today as Roswell Rd. With emergency lights and siren operating, Lt. Hood's patrol car crested a hill on Roswell Road and was hit head on by one of the two racing vehicles. An 18 year old was driving the vehicle on the wrong side of the road and traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour when he hit Lt. Hood. The teenage driver died instantly however, Lt. Hood struggled to live for another seven days. On June 25, 1960, Lt. Hood died from his injuries. He was 69 years old and one month away from retirement. 1962 Two additional motorcycles were added to the Motorcycle Unit, bringing the total to four. 1965 E.H. Burrus becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1965-1972. New uniforms were issued which consisted of a white shirt, black tie, light blue pants and bus driver style hats. Two more motorcycles were added bringing the total to six. The bus driver type hats were replaced with the Stetson style hats similar to what is worn today. During this time the county was divided into five patrol areas. A substation was set up in the southern portion of the county at the library on Gordon road. 1967 In September, as the result of a serious accident involving Officer W.L. Moss, the Motorcycle Unit ceased operations, The Police Department moved to the second floor of the Public Safety Building, located on the square in Marietta. In 1970, the county population had passed 197,000 and the Police Department had eighty officers. In the early 1970's through the 1980's the Police Department sponsored a softball team. Click here to view a picture believed to be from the early 1970's 1972 On October 1, 1972, Robert E. Hightower was appointed the first Director of Public Safety. (His title replaced the Chief of Police title). He served from 1972-1999.
Bomb Squad formed. Sgt. R.W. Green and Ofc. Jack
Sanford were the first members. A Roving Task force was established for traffic enforcement and special details. The Special Investigations Section was formed. It consisted of two sections: The Illegal Services Unit (narcotics, prostitution and gambling) and the Intelligence Unit (compile information on persons suspected of being engaged in illegal activity). The department has 140 officers. 1973 The Internal Affairs Unit was established. It handles all investigations involving complaints submitted against employees. Additionally, they are responsible for the screening process of all applicants for employment. Captain Herman Finnell was the first Commander. The Criminal Investigation Units was divided into two units; the Crimes Against Persons Unit and Crimes Against Property Unit. The Administrative Services Bureau was formed. 1974 On June 17, 1974, The Cobb County Regional Police Academy was formed. Classes were initially held at Kennesaw Junior College. Lt. J.L. Ferrell was named the academy director. Cobb Officers who graduated from the 1st mandate class on July 5, 1974, were: Guy Watkins Jr., D.E. McMichen, S.W. Pannell, M.D. Barfield, A.T. Hamrick, G.W. Davis Jr., A.J. Arseneault, D.R. Pondant, E.J. Coppola, D.L. Wilbur, R.W. Monk, D.D. Bailey, and D.W. Meeks. A decision was made to reorganize the Uniform patrol section into a precinct type operation. The ten patrol zones were redrawn into twenty-one patrol beats, to be operated from three precinct locations. Precinct 1, commanded by Major Robert Hamby was set up at Headquarters to cover the northern portion of the county. Precinct 2, commanded by Major D.L. Long was opened up in a storefront on Gordon Road to cover the southwest portion of the county. Precinct 3 commanded by Major E.H. Davis was opened at Cumberland Mall to cover the southeast portion of the county. 1975 Headquarters was moved to a new building on Page Street, where it is located today. Page Street was renamed N.Marietta Pkwy. in the late 80's. The building housed the Administrative Services Bureau, the Detective Bureau and Precinct 1 patrol officers. 1976 The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) was established, replacing the Roving Task Force. 1977 The S.W.A.T. Team was formed. Lt. Joe Looper, Sgt. Ron Malcolm, Ofc. Bill Davis, Ofc. Wally Nolen, and Ofc. Darrell Cook were the first members. A BATMOBILE (Breath Alcohol Testing mobile) began operations with the STEP Unit. It was equipped with breath alcohol testing equipment and contained a small holding cell. 1978 The Cobb Regional Police Academy graduated twenty-two mandate classes from seventy-five agencies in North Georgia before it ceased operations on June 9, 1978. Lt. Henry Higgins was the last academy director. No Cobb Officers graduated from the last class. The Police Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) formed the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy in Marietta. Sergeant Jim Fulwood designed and constructed the first firing range for the Cobb County Police Department on Clay Road off of Austell Road. At the time Sergeant Fulwood used a lot of his own personal time and money to make his dream come true. Sergeant Fulwood was named the first Range Master.
The population of Cobb County is 297,718. The Police Department received a Federal grant to form a Drug Squad. With the combined efforts of the Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb District Attorney's Office, and the Cobb County Police Department the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna (MCS) Narcotics Unit was formed. Mount Bethel Precinct ( Pct.4 ) opens on Lower Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road in an old schoolhouse. Officer Robert Hamby is assigned to the firing range as a Weapons Specialist. 1982 In May the Cobb County Police Dive Rescue Team was formed, with Sergeant Mike Barton the first team commander. Other original members included: Officer Stan Melton, Officer Alvin Arrowood, Officer Charles Wood, Officer Gordy Kilgore, and Officer Bobby McBrayer. The Marietta-Cobb DUI Task Force unit was formed. Members included; Cobb County Police Dept, Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Marietta Police Dept, Smyrna Police Dept, Powder Springs Police Dept, Kennesaw Police Dept, and Acworth Police Dept. Cobb PD Officers David Stone and Drew Brown were the first members. 1983 Officer Drew Brown is killed in the line of duty on December 17, 1983 while operating radar on US 41 northbound just north of Blue Springs Rd. Officer Brown was posthumously awarded the Cobb County Police Department Medal of Valor in February 1984. 1984 Precinct 2 moved to Hawthorne Plaza on Bankhead Highway. With the help of several business owners, a twelve person Motorcycle Unit was formed. The Motorcycle Unit was assigned to the evening shift to patrol shopping center areas. 1985 A Recruiting Office for employment purposes was established. Sgt. Eddie Nix and Officer Charles Spann were the first personnel assigned. Bomb Squad purchases is first bomb trailer. The multi-jurisdictional DUI Task Force was disbanded. The Cobb County Police Department stated their own DUI Task Force on November 30, 1985. The original members were Lt. Darrell Cook, Sgt. Wayne Kelly, Officer Ron Perdue, Officer Paul Woods, Officer Jimmy Barner, Officer Curtis Canupp, Officer Jim Schaffer, and Officer Frank Baker. Within the first year 2,800 DUI arrests were made. The Cobb County Police Department received a federal grant and started a 55-MPH Speed Enforcement Unit. Officer Mark Bishop and Officer Dave Snarski were the first members. Between 1985 and 1987 the Communications Unit began a consolidation process. The goal was to combine the Police and Fire dispatch, to have one central dispatching location.
1987 The Enhanced-911 went in to operation. Enhanced-911 automatically displayed to the dispatcher the telephone number and location of a caller. The Communications Bureau acquired C.A.D. (Computer Aided Dispatch). Until this time all calls for service were recorded by hand on color-coded dispatch cards. The former card system required the operator to make two dispatch cards for related police and fire incidents, or verbally pass the information to the fire dispatcher. 1988 The Training Section and Advanced Training Unit were moved into a newly completed building at 148 Page Street. Canine Unit was formed with the first dog, Marko. Officer Mike Yancey was his handler. Marko is cross-trained in patrol work, cadaver recovery, and narcotics detection. Precinct 1 moved from Headquarters to a new building located on Barrett Lakes Blvd. Precinct 4 and Dickerson Middle School team up in the Partners in Education Program. Our department was one of the first government entities in Georgia to participate in the Partners Program. 1989 The department has 338 sworn officers, 147 civilian employees, and 100 part-time employees. An additional canine, Bryo, was added to the Canine unit. Officer Eddie Race was his handler.
A new Government Service Center opened on Austell Road. It houses Precinct 2, the Southside Crimes Against Property Unit, and a Fire Station. Animal Control was placed under the Police Department. Another new Government Service Center opened on Lower Roswell Road. It houses Precinct 4, Northside Crimes Against Property Unit, and a Fire Station. The Communications Bureau began Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). The dispatchers had to be certified in CPR and basic first aid. The population of Cobb County is 447,745. The department has 413 sworn employees, 155 civilian employees, and 102 part-time employees. A five person Motorcycle Unit was added to the Special Operations to assist with traffic enforcement. A "Cobra Unit" was added to the MCS-Narcotics Unit. The Cobra Unit consisted of two Cobb PD, two Cobb SO and two Marietta PD officers. The purpose of the unit was to provide highly visible drug enforcement at the street level. Sgt. Sam Akers is assigned as the first commander. Bomb Squad purchases its first X-Ray Machine & Bomb Suit. 1991 Precinct 1 and Awtrey Middle School teamed up in the Partners in Education Program. 1992 Precinct 3 moves from Cumberland Mall to a larger location at 1250 Winchester Parkway. A Tactical Squad was formed from SWAT Team members. Their mission is to support patrol operations as a pro-active unit and to assist with high risk encounters. Sergeant S.L. Merrifield, Officer Robert Anthony, Officer Danny Hubbard, Officer Steve Reeves, Officer Tom Flugum, Officer Tom Arnold, Officer Jeff Patellis, and Officer Steve McDaniel were the first members. The Police Department has 411 sworn officers, 159 civilian employees, and 127 part-time employees. The Police Department received 297,787 calls for service. In November the voters of Cobb County approved a bond referendum to fund a new Animal Control Shelter. 1993 Culver Johnson becomes Chief of Police and serves from 1993-1996. Community Oriented Police Enforcement (COPE) Unit is started in the south Cobb area. Officer Charles Spann, Officer Nick McKnight, Officer Conrad Rudd, Officer Tony Sewell, Officer Dale Bolenbaugh, and Officer Dean Johnson were the first members. In March of 1993 the Drew Brown Community Service Award is presented for the first time at the departments Annual Awards Ceremony. Detective Gordy Kilgore is the first recipient. The award is presented to a deserving officer in recognition of their outstanding community service. The award is in memory of Officer Drew Brown who was killed in the line of duty in 1983. On July 13, 1993 while checking a suspicious person near the railroad tracks in the Elizabeth area, Officer Robert J. Ingram is shot to death by a man who had recently been released from prison. Officer Ingram was the first Cobb County Police Officer killed by a firearm in the line of duty. Officer Robbie Ingram is posthumously award the Cobb County Police Department Medal of Valor. 1994 The Department of Public Safety is created which the Police Department, Fire Department, 911 Communications, Animal Control and the Cobb County Correctional Institute under one command. Robert Hightower is named Director. The new 800 MHz trunked radio system is brought on line. Two canines, Ronnie and Lewis, were added to the K-9 unit bringing the total to four. Sergeant Ronnie Simons was "Ronnie's" handler and Officer Tom Clark was "Lewis" handler Video cameras installed in all patrol units. Cobb County hosts the Georgia Police-Fire Olympics. Sergeant Jim Fulwood designs, develops, and starts operations at a new Weapons Training Facility on County Services Parkway. It is now considered by many to be one of the best in the country. The precincts become partners in education with local schools. Precinct 1 with Awtrey Middle School, Precinct 2 with Lindley Middle School, Precinct 3 with Teasley Elementary, and Precinct 4 with Dickerson Middle School. 1995 A new Public Safety Training Center opens on County Services Parkway. It encompasses all police and fire training. A new Superstation opens which houses Precinct One, Special Operations, Northside Detectives, and a fire station. Officer Robert Quigley is appointed the first Public Information Officer. His job is to assist the department in responding to inquires by the media and public. The Crimes Against Children Unit moves to a new location on Austell Road. They form a partnership with Open Gate (child shelter), Safe Path (children’s advocacy), and Department of Children and Family Services. All are housed under one roof. Bomb Squad purchases its first robot. 1996 All motorcycle's are transferred from individual precincts to the Special Operations Unit. Their focus will be traffic enforcement. The Olympics are held in Atlanta and officers are assigned to 12 hour shifts. No major incidents occur. 1997 Lee New becomes Chief of Police. In August the department receives their state certification. The department is one of the first group of eight agencies to be certified through the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. Sergeant Jim Fulwood passes away from medical complications. On Monday, August 18, 1997, the Cobb County Police Department Weapons Training Facility was dedicated in his memory. The plaque inscription reads as follows:
1998 Mobile Data Terminals are added to all police units. The department begins assisting with the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program held in the Cobb County Middle and High Schools. Renovations begin on the Headquarters building and a new 911 Communications Center is put into operation. The building houses 911 Communications, Emergency Operations Command Center, Crimes Against Person's Unit, Cobb County Evidence Unit, and Cobb County Supply Unit. 1999 Director of Public Safety R.E. Hightower retires. J.D. Arrowood is appointed the new Director of Public Safety. Cobb County Police celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Cobb County Police Department’s website goes on line. Detective Gary Lowe is the first webmaster. The Police Department has 490 sworn officers. On July 23, 1999 Sergeant Steve Reeves and Officer Stephen Gilner are killed in the line of duty during a SWAT action. Sergeant Reeves and Officer Gilner were assigned to the SWAT entry team tasked to perform a hostage rescue. The suspect had already shot one police officer and would not negotiate with the Crisis Negotiation Team. Immediately upon entering the residence they came under heavy gunfire and Sergeant Reeves was fatally wounded. Officer Gilner realizing Sergeant Reeves was hit, pulled him from the doorway, and placed him outside the residence. Officer Gilner then re-entered the residence to assist his other team members who were pinned down, but was fatally wounded by the suspect. Sergeant Reeves and Officer Gilner were posthumously award the Cobb County Police Department Medal of Valor. The High Tech Crime Squad (the first for a local jurisdiction in Georgia) is started. Sgt. Dan Casey, Det. Gary Lowe, and Det. Joel Horne are the first members. This unit is responsible for computer based crimes. The Auto Theft Squad is started. Sgt. James Brown, Det. Mark Needham, Det. Joe Culver, and Det. R.C. Jones were the first members. The new Cobb County Police Academy begins operations and graduates its first mandate class in December. Commander Ron Storey is named Director. The first officers to graduate were: M.A. Frazer, L.E. King, M.D. Hurst, R.B. Payne, L.R. Scherer, Y.A. Pounds, J.K. Stanley, E.J. Teegerstrom, J.W. Hopkins, R.G. Middendorf, F.G. Sebek, J.R. Barbeau, B.M. Bentley, Todd M. Desrosiers, M.M. Newson, and A.E. Lopez. Citizens Public Safety Academy Format for the citizens Public Safety Academy was developed and the course was offered to the public. Eleven were accepted into the initial program on October 24, 2000.
Public Safety Explorers Program The program policies and procedures were developed in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Guidelines. The public safety concept is unique and is the first of its kind nationally for Learning for Life. Orientation was held October 17, 2000 with approximately 30 interested youth in attendance with their parents. 23 applications were received for the program, which held its first meeting/training session on November 7, 2000.
Neighborhood Safety Commission Public Safety has worked in a support role throughout the year with the Neighborhood Safety Commission in order to facilitate their efforts in community safety and quality of life.
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Drug and Alcohol Awareness Programs The Directors Office and all units of Public Safety have supported and participated in the Drug and Alcohol Awareness conferences held this year at McEachern High School in the Spring and on November 3, 2000 (Fall) at Tapp Middle School Cumberland Police and Fire Facility The new Cumberland Police and Fire Facility, which houses Police Precinct 3 and Fire Station 4 started operations. The grand opening ceremony was, held on May 6, 2000.
Emergency Vehicle Operations Training Course (EVOC) This facility was completed and put into operation on July 28, 2000.
New COPE Office In 2000 the new South Cobb recreation facility was completed on Six Flags Drive, and offices were established for COPE officers working in the area. Police Memorial Statue A statue honoring all Cobb County Police Officers killed in the line of duty was placed in the lobby of Police Headquarters. It stands guard at the entry way to the memorial gardens. Click Here for Picture Armored Personnel Carrier
An Armored Personnel Carrier named Peacekeeper is
accepted from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. This vehicle was
completely refurbished and is now in service and utilized by the SWAT team
during critical incidents. Incident Command Vehicle A fully equipped Incident Command Bus is purchased for use by Public Safety as a command vehicle during major incidents. It contains all of the latest technology.
Improved SWAT Equipment and Weaponry In 2000 state of the art ballistic body armor was purchased for all members of the SWAT Team. Additionally, 35 HKG36K and 6 HK MP5A3 weapons were purchased. Oleoresin Capsicum The Police Department provided all sworn officers with OC spray to be utilized as an intermediate force weapon. Training on the use of this tool was completed by years end. National Accreditation for Police Department The National Accreditation process begins with a review of current polices, procedures, and a study of the impact to current operations. Sergeant Drew Marchetta was named the National Accreditation manager.
Activation of the Police Officer III Program In December 1999 the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved an additional 12 Police Officer III positions bringing the total authorized number to 74.
SWAT Team Personnel Increase During 2000 the Board Of Commissioners authorized 17 additional specialty pay positions for the SWAT team bringing the total number of SWAT officers to 35. 2001 · West Cobb Police and Fire Facility The new West Cobb Police and Fire Facility which houses Police Precinct 3 and Fire Station 4 starts operations on January 7, 2001. Major R.W. Green is the first commander.
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Neighborhood Safety Commission Continued to support and facilitate to efforts of the Neighborhood Safety Commission in its efforts to promote safety awareness within the community.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness Programs Continued our active participation in the drug and alcohol awareness programs in the schools of Cobb County.
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Increase Visibility and Response Times With the opening of the West Cobb Police and Fire facility we were able to decrease the beat size in the western portion of the county and reduce our response times to requests for services.
National Accreditation for Police Department We formally contracted with the CALEA association to enroll in the national accreditation program.
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Additional Police Officers Cobb hired an additional 21 police officers positions for staffing of the new West Cobb Police precinct.
Police Memorial · The Police Memorial Gardens were dedicated on August 24th to honor officers killed in the line of duty. The gardens were made possible by private donations.
Police Museum
· A Cobb County Police Museum was opened in the lobby of the headquarters facility. 2002 CAGE Unit formed. (Cobb Anti Gang Enforcement Unit) J.D. Arrowood retires as Director of Public Safety. 2003 G.M. Lloyd becomes Director of Public Safety. 2005 Department receives National Accreditation at banquet in Birmingham Alabama on March 19, 2005. Details
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© 2003 Cobb County Police Department Website maintained by: 140 N. Marietta Parkway High Tech Crime Squad Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: (770) 499-3900 |
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