On Friday, June 22, 2012, two of Gilmer County’s newest deputies graduated from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia. The auditorium was full of family members & friends, along with several Sheriffs & Police Chiefs being on hand for the ceremony of two classes of new law enforcement officers. Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office graduates were Deputy Ryan Franklin and Deputy Jimmy Long.

During the 11-week training program, the cadets were given instruction on various law enforcement topics including criminal law, constitutional law, Georgia law, traffic law, accident investigation, emergency vehicle operations, firearms training, the use of deadly force, and family violence law, as well as many other topics.

During the ceremony, Deputy Ryan Franklin was honored for being the “Top Gun” shooter in his class. Deputy Franklin was also presented the “class flag” for being voted the Top Student in his class (Session #17). This honor is selected by the Instructor Cadre to be presented to the class student who is considered the best overall based on drive & leadership & they must have scored 90 or better in firearms and academics.

Furthermore, Deputy Franklin set a new school record during final PT testing when he completed the 1.5 mile run in 8 minutes and 41 seconds!! The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office additionally holds the record at the Dalton Regional Police Academy when Deputy Dylan Gazaway completed the 1.5 mile run there in 8 minutes and 46 seconds!!

Sheriff Nicholson stated

“We are excited to have these new officers back with us. They represented the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office very well and I have extremely high hopes for their law enforcement careers.”