The Cobb County Sheriff's Office recognized two cadets for their heroic actions.

Pictured left to right: Flynn Broady, Chief of Staff David Jones, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V, Hawkins, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Cadet Captain Aiden Decastro, Field Training Officer Cadet Alexander Rodas, Sheriff Craig D. Owens and Major “Butch” Brown.

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Community Briefing Highlighting Suicide Prevention, Cadet Recognition, Unveiling of New K-9 and Citizens Academy Graduation

 The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) held its second Community Briefing of the year on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Cobb County Public Safety Training Center on East-West Connector. The event brought together residents, community partners, and law enforcement personnel for an evening of recognition, updates, and fellowship.

Pinning Ceremony & Dinner
The evening opened with a promotional pinning ceremony led by Major Yaminah Holt. Sheriff Craig Owens Sr., and command staff honored five personnel for their recent promotions:

• Major Amie Garrett
  
  

• Sergeants Donald Gibboney, Bradley Vincent, Timothy Broome, and Preston Snowden
  
  

Following the ceremony and an invocation by Chaplain Eldren Morrison, guests enjoyed dinner and networking with deputies and command staff.

Community Briefing Highlights
The formal program began with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by CCSO Cadets and Chaplain Morrison. Key moments from the briefing included:

• No Bull Partnership Video: CCSO shared an update on its ongoing anti-bullying partnership.
  
  

• Suicide Prevention Month: The Wellness Team highlighted the Office’s commitment to staff wellness and suicide awareness resources.
  
  

• Community Partners: Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton and Notes of Impact representative Lauren “Lala” McBride spoke on strengthening community support networks.
  
  

• Vendor Recognition: Chief of Staff David Jones extended gratitude to CCSO’s community partners, Be Safe and Cobb County Superior Court- Mental Health & Drug Court, for their continued support.
  
  

Recognition & Awards
The Sheriff’s Office recognized Cadet Captain Aiden Decastro and Field Training Officer Cadet Alexander Rodas for their heroic actions and dedication.

Citizens Academy Graduation
The CCSO celebrated the graduation of 27 participants from the Citizens Academy. Graduates received certificates from Sheriff Owens, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson. Asst. Chief Gina Hakwins. Chief of Staff Jones, Flynn Brody, Maj. Butch Brown, and Sgt. Jason Church, marking the successful completion of their immersive experience into law enforcement operations.

K-9 Introduction
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its newest K-9, Liberty, a bloodhound partnered with Deputy Barry Bales. Liberty specializes in scent-discriminate trailing and tracking and will support the agency’s mission to enhance public safety and strengthen community engagement.

Remarks from Sheriff Owens
Sheriff Owens closed the evening with updates on the organization’s continued priorities, answered questions during an open Q&A session, and joined in congratulating raffle prize winners.

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office extends gratitude to all residents, community partners, and staff who helped make this Community Briefing a success.

Social Media Engagement:

Find the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office online:

Instagram | Facebook | X: @cobbsheriff
Youtube: @CobbCountySheriffsOffice

Download the Cobb County Sheriff's Office App

Photo Credit: The Cobb County Sheriff Office

For more information on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.cobbsheriff.org

For more pictures of the September 25, 2025 Community Briefing, use the link below:

Photos

:: Courtesy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office::

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy class members receive their graduation certificates during the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Cobb County District 4 Commissioner, Monique Sheffield, takes a picture with Sheriff Owens during the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Sheriff’s Office command staff participate in the Notes of Impact presentation. Their mission is to show that music is a catalyst for personal growth, community connection and healing.

Lauren "LaLa" McBride, founding executive director of Notes of Impact Inc., goes over the rules for her presentation at the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Irene Barton, executive director of Cobb Collaborative, serves as one of our community partners this month, providing valuable resources on suicide awareness.

Sheriff Owens shares the latest on the renovation project at the Sheriff’s Office during the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Robert Haley, founder and executive director of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Foundation, speaks on how the foundation supports families in need at the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Deputy Bales introduces his new K-9, Liberty, at the September 2025 Community Briefing.In honor of Suicide Awareness Month, Cobb County Superior Court- Mental Health & Drug Court served as one of our community partners at the September 2025 Community Briefing.

An attendee asks Sheriff Owens if the new renovations will affect job hiring as he considers becoming a deputy during the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Chief Jones poses with a raffle winner and Citizens Academy alum at the September 2025 Community Briefing.

Chief Shameta Jones-Harrell and Officer Cheatham of the Austell Police Department attend the September 2025 Community Briefing.