During a recent government meeting, the Hired Police Department celebrated significant achievements and welcomed new personnel, highlighting the department's commitment to community safety and service.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of new officers, including Officer Charles Nowak, who is returning for his second term, and Officer Corey Johnson, who has relocated from Florida. Additionally, Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Wilkins was acknowledged for his ongoing contributions, and the department anticipates the addition of Dante Knight as a police officer in January.

A key moment of the meeting was the recognition of Officer Charles Nowak for his life-saving actions on June 18, 2024. While off-duty, Officer Nowak responded to an emergency at a local Wendy's where an individual was found unconscious due to an opioid overdose. Utilizing his training, he administered Narcan, ultimately reviving the individual and ensuring their safety until medical personnel arrived. The department presented Officer Nowak with a life-saving award, underscoring the importance of quick thinking and preparedness in emergency situations.

The meeting also included the promotion of Sergeant David McCloud to Detective Sergeant, following a rigorous assessment process conducted by external evaluators from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training and the FBI's National Academy. This promotion reflects the department's ongoing efforts to fill critical positions and enhance its investigative capabilities.

Chief of Police expressed pride in the department's personnel, emphasizing their dedication to serving the community amid recent challenges faced by law enforcement in the region. The meeting concluded with a call for community support, acknowledging the vital role that public funding plays in sustaining the department's operations and initiatives.