Ellijay, Gilmer County, Ga. December 3, 2013:
The Ellijay Police Department has recently employed three new police officers. The pre-employment selection process included a background investigation, psychological examination,
polygraph examination, and written exercise. The final recommendation for hire was made by
a hiring board following their review of the officers’ files, written exercises, and oral interviews.
The newly employed officers are as follows:

Aaron Mashburn

Officer Aaron D. Mashburn is a resident of Gilmer County. Aaron obtained his Basic Peace Officer Certification in 2011 and worked as a patrolman with the City of Warner Robins until his employment with the City of Ellijay. Ofc. Mashburn is a graduate of Warner Robins High School and possesses a Bachelor’s Degree from North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega. He has completed training as a Crime Scene Technician and is certified in the use of electronic control devices (Taser) as well as Lidar and Radar speed detection devices.

Michael “Justin” Ware

Officer Michael “Justin” Ware of Mineral Bluff, Georgia is a graduate of Fannin County High School and completed his Basic Peace Officer Certification in April of 2013. Justin is a certified NCIC/GCIC terminal operator as well as certified with electronic control devices (Taser). Justin was previously employed with the City of Dalton Police Department where he completed the agency’s Field Training Program.

Lawrence Michael “Mike” Ware Jr.

Officer Lawrence Michael “Mike” Ware Jr. is a resident of Gilmer County. Ofc. Ware has four years’ experience as a Georgia Correctional Officer and is an eight‐year veteran of the Macon Police Department where he served as a motorcycle officer. In addition to his Basic Peace Officer certification obtained in 2005, Mike is a certified Field Training Officer and has completed Accident Reconstruction Level 5. A resident of Gilmer County since 2012, Mike graduated from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia and is an Honorably Discharged former United States Marine.