public safety Archives - South Fulton Observer

South Fulton Police Department Reports Decrease in Violent Crime

31Jul

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Public Safety

South Fulton Police Department Reports Decrease in Violent Crime

According to a press release from the City of South Fulton, the rate of violent crime in the area is decreasing. Police say that an increased focus on the core issues at the center of violent crime has led to a decrease in the murder rate by nearly half. From January through June 2021, the city investigated 11 homicides. In the same timeframe this year, six murders have been reported – a decline of 45 percent. Detectives have made arrests in five of those cases. “Most violent crime stems from gang and drug activity,” said Police Chief Keith Meadows. “By focusing on these areas, we have been able to drive down violent crime by double digits in the previous three years.” From 2019 through 2021, South Fulton’s violent crimes – murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, theft, auto th...

South Fulton Firefighters Support MDA with Annual Fill the Boot Drive

11Sep

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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 ...

Police Chief Reports Growing Force, Decrease in Crime

5Aug

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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 departmen...

South Fulton to Host National Night Out on August 6

24Jul

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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 fo...

New Chief Marks New Chapter for South Fulton Fire Department

20Jul

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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...

12Jun

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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 Fire Stations to Serve as Cooling Stations for Holiday Weekend

24May

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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 ...

South Fulton Police Department Celebrates Milestones, Growth

16Apr

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Public Safety

South Fulton Police Department Celebrates Milestones, Growth

Just over a year after its launch, the South Fulton Police Department is celebrating key milestones and significant growth in the size of its force. When the police department transitioned in late March of 2018 from Fulton County to the City of South Fulton, it was comprised of just 85 sworn officers. To date, the police force has grown by more than 50 percent. As of March 25, according to Police Chief Meadows, the department was down to its last 16 vacancies with 15 candidates scheduled to go before the hiring board. Aggressive recruiting methods have helped the department to increase its gang unit, narcotics unit and court service section. An intelligence unit has been created to analyze crime trends under the COMPSTAT methodology. And Chief Meadows has expressed that he will a...

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