Chattahoochee Hills police honor two officers after de‑escalation and removal of loaded handgun at Cochran Mill Park

Chattahoochee Hills Police Chief Kevin Digou on July 7 presented Detective Lee Martin and Officer Zachary Phillips with the Chattahoochee Hills Police Department Lifesaving Award for actions that averted a suicide attempt at Cochran Mill Park on May 12.

Digou described how Officer Phillips calmly engaged with a 25‑year‑old man in an acute mental‑health crisis, established rapport and identified a concealed handgun. Detective Martin arrived and joined the de‑escalation. According to the chief’s account, Officer Phillips removed a loaded Taurus 9‑millimeter handgun with a round already chambered. No shots were fired and no force beyond restraint and de‑escalation was used. The person was transported by ambulance and voluntarily received mental‑health care.

"Because of these two officers, he has the opportunity to write the next chapter," Digou said as he presented the lifesaving awards. The chief emphasized that the outcome reflected training, patience and judgment in responding to mental‑health crises.

Councilmembers praised the officers during council remarks and noted that crisis‑intervention training (40 hours) contributed to the outcome. The council recognized the officers’ families in the audience and commended the department’s emphasis on de‑escalation rather than force.

The award presentation was part of the regular meeting; no disciplinary or policy changes were announced. The city encouraged residents to use available emergency resources and to sign up for city alert notifications for emergency updates.