The American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville celebrated its 80th anniversary by honoring outstanding local law enforcement and emergency personnel. Legion members, local dignitaries, fellow law enforcement and emergency personnel and the public were on hand for the ceremony. Legion member and state Senator Rick Price gave the opening speech and Fayette County Commissioner Greg Dunn, also a Legion member, officiated the proceedings.

Sen. Price was thanked for authoring and introducing State Bill 175 which, if passed, will elevate the offense of fleeing or attempting to flee arrest from a misdemeanor to a felony. During his opening remarks to the award recipients and fellow officers, he stated, "What you do is so important to the community and to the quality of life. You serve well and don't always get the thanks you should."

Dunn opened the award ceremony by highlighting the important contribution each and every law and emergency member makes to the community. He introduced each honoree and listed the accomplishments which resulted in their selection. Commander Dale Barnett presented each with a framed certificate from The American Legion honoring their outstanding contribution to public service.

Commander Dale Barnett noted, "This is the first time this post has made this type of presentation, although it is a on-going American Legion program. We hope to make this an annual event."

The Legion had requested that the individual law enforcement and emergency branches select their top officer to receive the award. The Fayette County Sheriff's Department, the Marshal's Office, the Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone Police Departments, and the Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Fayette County Fire Departments each chose an outstanding candidate to be honored and provided the Legion with supporting documentation for their choice.

The Legion criteria requested that the various departments choose candidates for sustained superior performance or individual outstanding acts of bravery or service.

4th District Commander Paul Verden was pleased with the turnout and the program. "I think it was fantastic and every Legion should have a similar program to honor police and fire personnel," he said. "They do a great job and deserve to be commended."

Asked for his thoughts on the award, Legion member and Tax Commissioner George Wingo said, "I'm proud of all the public servants who have been recognized here tonight for outstanding dedication and meritorious service across our county. They are all deserving of the accolades given them."

Post members were also informed that they were number one in the district, having reached and surpassed their membership goal. Currently the group boasts a membership of 107. The District covers the entire Southeast including DeKalb, Clayton, Henry, Spalding, Fayette and other surrounding counties. There are 2,632 Legion members in the Southeast District.

The American Legion meets the second Monday of each month at the Log Cabin on Georgia Hwy. 85 across from the County Complex in Fayetteville. For more information, contact John Dufresne at 770-631-2494.

About the individual award recipients:

, Special Agent Steve Orser, assigned to the Fayette County Sheriff's Drug Unit, had been instrumental in the seizure of large amounts of illegal drugs and U.S. currency associated with the sale and distribution of drugs in Fayette County. In 1998 Orser was the case agent who, along with other members of the Fayette County Sheriff's Drug Suppression Task Force, was responsible for netting the largest seizure of currency within Fayette County of approximately $99,000.

, Deputy Sheriff Harry "Butch" Parris was nominated by the Sheriff's Department to be the Detention Officer of the Year. Lt. Steve Coker wrote that Parris "will do everything that is asked of him and more, expecting nothing in return." Parris personally made close to 400 transports of inmates in 1998, traveling more than 20,000 miles without an accident or breakdown in security.

, The Marshal's Office of Fayette County chose to honor Sgt. Earl Williams for the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Williams began working with the Marshal's office in 1996 as deputy marshal. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and is currently the evening shift supervisor and is assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit. He is a volunteer Hunter Safety Education Instructor and Associate Advisor with the Youth Law Enforcement Explorer Post 273. In 1998 he was voted Deputy Marshal of the Year by his peers.

, Officer David Webb of the Fayetteville Police Department was commended for his professionalism and dedication on the job. Additionally, while off-duty he was responsible for locating and the subsequent arrest of an armed murder suspect. Webb joined the Fayetteville Police Department in 1997.

, Lt. Terrry Ernst, selected by the Peachtree City Police Department, served 20 years in the United States Army prior to joining the police force. He has worked in patrol and the DARE program. According to Chief Murray, "He is a highly respected officer by both the community and the officers that work for him."

, Chief Roger Spencer with the Tyrone Police Department recommended PFC Alicia Batts for the honor. She was the first police officer in Fayette County to use the new heart external defibrillator, restoring life to the victim. Also, while off duty, she assisted a young female who had been assaulted by three men. Batts' quick response resulted in the arrest of the three men who were charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.

, The Peachtree City Fire Department chose Capt. Stony Lohr to receive the award. Lohr served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. While in the military he served as a volunteer with the Peachtree City Fire Department and became a full-time employee when he retired in 1992. He achieved the rank of captain and has been appointed as the department's accreditation manager.

, The City of Fayetteville Fire Department's candidate for outstanding service was volunteer Lt. Harry Chamberlin. He has certifications as an emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician, inservice training instructor and fire inspector. In addition to maintaining his own full-time business, Chamberlin volunteers numerous hours each week with the fire department.

, Carson Sanders of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services was honored for his outstanding service as a firefighter and paramedic. He is actively involved in various departmental projects to improve the quality of the department and is also actively involved in the Fayette County community to improve the quality of life. He is a seven year veteran of the department and is nationally registered as a paramedic and Firefighter I and II.

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