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Public Safety

South Fulton Firefighters Support MDA with Annual Fill the Boot Drive
Public Safety

South Fulton Firefighters Support MDA with Annual Fill the Boot Drive

The South Fulton Fire and Rescue Department is showing its continued support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to raise critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases. Continuing a 65-year tradition of giving strength to the MDA community, dedicated fire fighters from the South Fulton Fire and Rescue Department will hit the streets with firefighter boots in hand to ask for donations on September 14th and September 21st at multiple locations across the city. Firefighters will collect donations at the following locations and times: Walmart on Old National Hwy between 9 a.m. -12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; the intersection of R...
Police Chief Reports Growing Force, Decrease in Crime
Public Safety

Police Chief Reports Growing Force, Decrease in Crime

When the newly formed city of South Fulton prepared to transition the police department over from Fulton County, officials thought that most officers would make the move. But a decision by the county to maintain a small department to patrol the Fulton Industrial corridor left the new city with a fractured force and several resource gaps. But just over a year later, the department has nearly been made whole. Under the leadership of Police Chief Keith Meadows, the department has expanded and is being restructured to tackle the challenges of today, and anticipate the city’s future needs. At a recent townhall meeting hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker, Chief Meadows touted a number of developments in his department, including 49 percent growth in personnel. The growth of the department...
South Fulton to Host National Night Out on August 6
Public Safety

South Fulton to Host National Night Out on August 6

The city of South Fulton is gearing up for National Night Out, a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Planned for August 6, the event is a collaboration between the city's police and fire personnel, city staff, area organizations and the local community. “Our Police Department is committed to improving the quality of life for all," said Police Chief Keith Meadows. “I am excited we are continuing to host this event to strengthen relationships with our residents and community members. This event is important because law enforcement and residents working together is what helps to ensure our communities are safe places to live, work and play.” The event will include live entertainment, food and fun activities for...
New Chief Marks New Chapter for South Fulton Fire Department
Public Safety

New Chief Marks New Chapter for South Fulton Fire Department

The city of South Fulton is still celebrating the arrival of Fire Chief Freddie Broome. He was named to the position on May 14. Last weekend, residents, city personnel and elected officials gathered at the Aviation Community Cultural Center to officially welcome him. Chief Broome is appreciative of the warm response. He said that one of the things that has impressed him most since he arrived is the community support. “Everyone has opened their arms and welcomed me in, and that means a lot.” Much of the excitement is around Chief Broome’s experience and strong reputation in the fire services industry. He has already dedicated 23 years to fire service. Most recently, he held the position of Fire Chief in Valdosta, Ga. “He brings a lot of expertise to the position,” said South ...
Councilman khalid to Moderate Panel on ‘Modern Policing’ during Summer Block Party
Government, Public Safety

Councilman khalid to Moderate Panel on ‘Modern Policing’ during Summer Block Party

Councilman khalid kamau's monthly summer block party series continues this Friday, July 12 at Creel Park (2775 Creel Road) at 7:00 p.m. The event will include live music, food trucks and an outdoor screening of "The Hate U Give." Based on the New York Times-bestselling novel by Angie Thomas, the film centers on a teen who witnesses the fatal shooting of her friend at the hands of police. In addition to outdoor screenings, each "South Fulton Summer" block party also features a community conversation on the themes in the films. This week, Black Lives Matter activists and Police Chief Keith Meadows will participate in the panel discussion on modern policing. Parking at Creel Park is free but limited. Additional free parking is available at Creel Park C.M.E. Church (2750 Creel Road) ...
South Fulton Swears in New Fire Chief
Public Safety

South Fulton Swears in New Fire Chief

Fire Chief Freddie Broome was sworn in on June 11. He took the oath surrounded by family and friends during the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council. Chief Broome has set his agenda for the first thirty days. He plans to listen and learn from firefighters and staff, as well as assess the department’s needs.  In the long term, he aims to secure a Class 1 ISO rating. The rating demonstrates that a fire department is operating at the highest level with top notch response times. It's not only a badge of honor for the department, but can also mean lower insurance rates for residents. Broome comes to the City of South Fulton from the Valdosta where he was fire chief since March 2014. His career in fire service spans 23 years.
South Fulton Police Department Donates Car Seats to Families in Need
Public Safety

South Fulton Police Department Donates Car Seats to Families in Need

The City of South Fulton Police Department and the Georgia Department of Public Safety recently teamed up for a community outreach effort around car seat safety. The officers performed car seat inspections, provided drivers with corrective measures and donated nearly a dozen car seats to families in need. The efforts align with National Safety Month activities taking place across the U.S. this June. Observed annually, the awareness campaign focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in homes and communities.  According to the South Fulton Police Department, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of children in Georgia. Car seats, when installed properly, reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent among infants and 54 percent among todd...
Bishop Road Landfill Owner Faces $1 Million Fine for Violating Solid Waste Act
Courts, Public Safety

Bishop Road Landfill Owner Faces $1 Million Fine for Violating Solid Waste Act

According to a court order, civil penalties will be assessed against Tandy Bullock, the owner of the unpermitted landfill at 7635 Bishop Road. He faces a fine in the amount of $1,084,550 for violating the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Act. The landfill caught fire in September 2018, and burned for eight months. The burning debris included trees, stumps, and wood from demolished buildings. The excessive smoke became a nuisance for many residents in the area, and a health concern, particularly for residents with existing respiratory problems. During a compliance hearing on May 20, Judge Constance Russell ruled that Bullock had taken satisfactory steps to extinguish the blaze. In addition to the seven-figure fine, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will require Bullock to...
South Fulton Fire Stations to Serve as Cooling Stations for Holiday Weekend
Public Safety

South Fulton Fire Stations to Serve as Cooling Stations for Holiday Weekend

City of South Fulton Fire Stations will serve as cooling stations during the Memorial Day weekend heat wave. The heat wave warning, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), states that Georgia will see record high temperatures this weekend. “All City of South Fulton Fire Stations are designed to be a place of refuge from severe weather,” stated Interim Fire Chief Jack Butler. “We encourage residents to take precautions to stay safe during the warm weather by reducing strenuous activity and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.” Residents and non-residents can visit any of the below fire stations to seek refuge from the heat. Fire stations are open 24/7. Fire Station 24121 Cascade Road SW Fire Station 34035 Stonewall Tell Road Fire Station 53175 Bethsaida Road ...
Judge Rules Landfill Owner in Compliance
Courts, Public Safety

Judge Rules Landfill Owner in Compliance

Tandy Bullock, the owner of the Bishop Road Landfill, went before Superior Court Judge Constance Russell during a compliance hearing earlier today. The hearing was held to determine if Bullock was in compliance with an order to extinguish the fire that had been burning on his property since September 2018. Bullock's attorney, Charles T. Brant and an attorney representing the State of Georgia jointly testified before the judge that the fire had been extinguished. Satisfied with what was presented by the litigants, Judge Russell ruled in Bullock's favor. The decision came as a disappointment for residents who attended the hearing wearing shirts that read "No Landfills, No Warehouses" on the front and "South Fulton Lives Matter" on the back. They brought photos of their own showin...

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