Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom Recognition

What is it? It is a Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (GACP) praiseworthy initiative which started approximately 5 years ago by past president Lou Dekmar and US Army Col. Alton (ret.) to honor those brave men and women who serve two masters - our law enforcement community and the US Armed Services. This recognition program was established by GACP to honor returning US Armed Services veterans from turbulent operations overseas who returned as or became a police officer in the state of Georgia. Those who meet the criteria would be awarded a Certificate of Recognition as well as a lapel pin which could be worn on their uniform. This lapel pin clearly indicates the level of commitment and true professionalism of those who wear it, those who sacrifice each and every day.

Lt. Kristopher Sutton; Operation Uphold Democracy
Lt. Wayne Butler; Operations Desert Shield/Storm
Sgt. Richard Thrasher; Operations Desert Shield/Storm
Officer Michael Tarticchio; Operation Iraqi Freedom
Officer Michael Inot; Operation Iraqi Freedom
Detective Anthony Werbenec; Operation Iraqi Freedom
Captain Scott Olson; Operations Desert Shield/Storm

Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service to the United States of America and the City of Morrow.

Ms. Sierra Blackstone joined the Morrow Police Department Records Division in March 2010

Officer E. Miller is sworn in by Chief Baker.

Dean Agresta was elected Employee of the Year for 2009 by the Morrow Police Department Awards and Commendations Committee. Please join us in congratulating Officer Agresta!

Boy Scouts recently paid a visit to Morrow Police Department.

Post by Captain James Callaway, Morrow Police, Georgia. On January 26, 27th, and 28th Chief Jeff Baker and I traveled to Washington D.C. to obtain National support for an IP task force for the State of Georgia. The problem in Georgia has grown exponentially over the last several years. We have been enforcing Georgia’s IP laws and have made several multi-million dollar raids. We have also pioneered training for law enforcement in Georgia and have built a coalition between private industry and law enforcement.

We feel that IP is not a victimless crime. We have seen repeatedly how IP theft eats away at our local economy with job loss and presents a risk to public safety from counterfeit pharmaceuticals to electronics. We have also seen various levels of organized crime associated with the sales and distribution of counterfeit items.

In the State of Georgia, over a dozen police agencies from all across the State have shown an interest in task force participation. The local problem is becoming more apparent to those in law enforcement once they learn the long reaching effects of IP crime in our State.

We had an opportunity to speak personally to Rep. Johnson, Rep. Scott, and Sen. Isakson from the Georgia delegation. They were all very interested in our topic of discussion and expressed to us their interest in support of appropriations for a statewide task force. While in D.C., we also met with representatives from Rep. Gingrey, Rep. Barrow, and Rep. Bishop’s office who were also very interested in our objective.

Several other meetings in D.C. went very well too. We had an opportunity to speak to the Office of Justice Programs and well as the FBI. We spoke of our experiences in IP crimes as well as where we are headed and what we envision for a task force utilizing a Six Sigma approach to management.

Finally, we met with several representatives from private industry. These meetings were actually the most rewarding to us. We get to see firsthand what impact our efforts on the streets have on the industries that are directly affected. Our desire is to simply enforce the law and put an end to IP theft and sales in the great State of Georgia.

COPPS Vehicle

On December 8, 2009, Lieutenant Kristopher Sutton, Sergeant Curtis Turner and Officer Michael Inot were presented with the Police Star Medal for outstanding investigative performance, criminal apprehension and heroism where there was a possibility of serious physical injury or loss of life.

On December 8, 2009, Anou Sothsavath, Communications Director, was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding civilian investigative performance and criminal apprehension.

A brief morning rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the athletes that turned out for the 8th Annual Tar & Turf, presented by the Morrow Police Department. This year’s event attracted the largest field of participants to date. The ever evolving course provided some challenges for the runners and continues to receive high marks for its diversity as well as scenery.

Click here to see the full results.

On September 21, 2009 Officer Damion Hampson returned to the City of Morrow Police Department. Officer Hampson has held positions in the H.E.A.T. Unit, Criminal Investigations and Uniform Patrol. He has training in, but not limited to, Advanced Search Warrants and Affidavits, Criminal Investigations, Interview and Interrogations and Field Officer Training. Officer Hampson has experience working closely with the GBI, Narcotics Agents and ATF. Please join us in welcoming back Officer Hampson.

William E. Cooper, author of "Leading Beyond Tradition" returned to the City of Morrow as a guest speaker at the City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Mr. Cooper spoke on the certification and value of Six Sigma.

Presentation of Six Sigma Black Belt Certificates to:
Jeffery A. Eady, Jeffery C. Baker, Mark W. Herendeen, Anou Sothsavath, Sylvia Redic, Dan Defnall, Mike Twomey, and John Lampl

On Tuesday, July 28, 2009, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police 2nd Vice President Blue presented the Morrow Police Department with their State re-certification plaque and certificate.

The City of Morrow’s 2009 "Day in the Park" celebration - on May 16th - was a huge Success! In addition to the City Sponsored activities, each department took the time to design an exhibit to be judged for an annual contest, a Day in the Park tradition. This year’s judges were Reverend Dr. John Callahan Junior from the Morrow Presbyterian Church and Reverend Dr. Edward Judy from the Morrow First United Methodist Church

For the 2nd year running the Morrow Police Department took home the first place trophy! We would like to thank all who participated in this year’s event and give special thanks to the Volunteers and Citizens of Morrow for showing their support. We look forward to doing it again next year!

After a rigorous on-site inspection by the Georgia Association of Chief's of Police, the Morrow Police Department received their State Certification for the 9th consecutive year. This success required the teamwork of the Police, 911, and Court Services. Certification is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances. The foundation of certification lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Certification status represents a signification professional achievement and acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. The Morrow Police Department is proud to be a Georgia Association of Chief's of Police Certified Agency.

In May 2009, William E. Cooper, the author of Leading Beyond Tradition, flew in from Seattle, Washington to teach his program to the Morrow Police Department Command Staff. His convergence of Six Sigma, CompStat and Community Oriented Policing is designed to revolutionize the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement. The Morrow Police Department will be applying these principles to better proactively decrease crime and serve the citizens of and visitors to the City of Morrow.

Officer Michael Tarticchio was nominated Employee of the Quarter, 1st quarter 2009. His true professionalism is above reproach. His can do attitude coupled with his ability to project a positive influence on all those he encounters should be recognized. It should also be noted that his level of productivity is outstanding. Please join us congratulating Officer Tarticchio as Employee of the Quarter, 1st quarter 2009.

Officer Khari Reed recently joined our City of Morrow Police Department. Officer Reed was formerly with the Atlanta Police Department. He then served as a Special Agent with the Environmental Protection Agency. Officer Reed is P.O.S.T. certified. He has and BA Degree and is currently working on his Masters at Georgia Tech. Officer Reed served as a US Army Reservist from 1990 to 2004.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Reed as we are pleased to have him as part of our team.

On March 24, 2009, Chief Jeff Baker swears in Officer Brad Beard. The City of Morrow is proud to welcome Officer Beard to our team. Officer Beard is a certified FTO and has over a decade of police experience to include SWAT and Investigations. He has worked for the DeKalb County Police Department as well as the Henry County Police Department.

Officer of the Year for 2008

Officer Brian Hill

Officer Hill was elected Employee of the Quarter 4th quarter 2008 and Employee of the year 2008. During the 4th quarter of 2008 Officer Hill’s performance was stellar! His level of performance was unsurpassed by any member of the Morrow Police Department. He also volunteered to assist the department with training new officers and is currently completing the requirements to work as a Field Training Officer. Also due to his keen observation skills he arrested a suspected Entering Auto perpetrator that has been plaguing the department and city.

The City of Morrow Police Department has a physical agility test that new applicants must pass. The test consists of a run, along with practical stations that simulate a police officer's physical requirements while on the job.

The City of Morrow Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division destroyed 300 pounds of seized marijuana pursuant to court orders issued by the Clayton County Superior Court. This takes 300 pounds of illegal narcotics off the streets of Morrow and away from the criminals that sell it.

On January 27, 2009, Chief Jeff Baker swears in Officer Le Minh Tran as an officer with the Morrow Police Department. Tran is a certified police officer and has worked with the Morrow Police Department previously, prior to going into business for himself.

Chief Jeff Baker welcomes Officer Mike Tarticchio as he officially joins the Morrow Police Department as a Police Officer after graduating from police mandate training. Officer Tarticchio comes to us from Fenton Missouri. Before joining the department, Officer Tarticchio served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq in support on the war on terrorism. Also, while in police mandate training, Officer Tartichhio received 3 prestigious class awards. They were the Academic Award, Top Gun Firearms Award and the Leadership Award. Pictured with Officer Tarticchio holding his awards is his wife, Heather. We are proud to have Officer Tarticchio as part of our team.

Santa Claus Came to Town

Some very special Morrow Elementary School students were treated to an exclusive visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, as the Morrow Police Department hosted “Santa’s Chosen Children” at their annual Christmas party held on December 10th. This year, 23 children were invited to attend, the largest number the event has ever been able to accommodate. As songs of the season filled the room, a pizza feast and holiday treats were enjoyed. After a moment and a photo with Santa, the children waited patiently to open their presents. As soon as Santa gave them the word, the gift wrap started flying and a smile appeared on every face.

Thanks to Rocky’s Café and Pizza, City of Morrow Fire, Public Works and City Hall personnel, Allstate Resource Management, Nestor Traffic Systems and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) for their contributions to the event. The Morrow Police appreciate their generous support of this holiday tradition.

Sergeant Thrasher Recieves 5 Year Service Pin

On December 9th, Sgt. Richard Thrasher recieved his 5 year service pin with the City of Morrow with friends, family and fellow officers in attendance. Chief Jeff Baker pinned the service award on Sgt. Thrasher and he also recieved thanks from Mayor Jim Millirons. We want to thank Sgt. Thrasher for his dedicated service to the police department and the citizens of Morrow.

Safe Halloween 2008

The Morrow Police Department treated residents of all ages to hundreds of pounds of candy and tons of fun at Safe Halloween 2008. This city tradition continues to grow in size and popularity as it offers a safe alternative to the door-to-door trick-or-treating of the past. The games, hayride, haunted cemetery and other activities provided plenty of entertainment for everyone who turned out for the event. Special thanks to all of our volunteers who helped make this the best Safe Halloween EVER!!

The Summer Sizzled

Thanks to all of our residents who took the time to attend their neighborhood PROUD meeting. Truck mounted Freedom Grill experience was a big success. Members of the Police Department cooked up & served approximately 512 hot dogs & 384 burgers. Topics covered at the meeting included an overview of current events in the City of Morrow as well as crime prevention information. The officers served about 450 assorted bags of chips, 200 bottles of water and 250 cans of soda. It was a real pleasure to spend time in the community and, as always, "serve" the citizens of the City of Morrow.

2008 Tar & Turf

The Morrow Police Dept held the annual Tar & turf on Saturday, August 16th. The race began and ended at City Hall, 1500 Morrow Rd. The diverse 4 mile course includes Morrow’s NEW Pedestrian Path System and Reynolds Nature Preserve. Click HERE to see the results.

All proceeds went to the Morrow Police Department’s Children’s Charities Fund.

Congratulations GREAT Graduates

On Thursday, May 29th, 84 students of Morrow Elementary School were recognized by the City of Morrow Police Department for completing the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) program. The program is designed to enhance relations between the students and law enforcement as well as help prepare them for the intensified experience of Middle School. Program coordinator Lieutenant Wayne Butler presented the graduating students with certificates to honor their successful efforts.

Officer Harry Hess joined our City of Morrow Police Department on May 12, 2008. Officer Hess served four years with the City of Doraville Police Department prior to joining the Morrow Police Department. Officer Hess is P.O.S.T. certified with training including DWI Detection and Standard Field Sobriety Test, Officer Survival, Traffic Accident/Death Investigation, First Responder and On-Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Level II. Please join me in welcoming him as we are pleased to have him as part of our team.

Officer Michael Inot joined our City of Morrow Police Department on February 26, 2008. Officer Inot served with the U.S. Marine Corps. and the Conyers Police Department prior to joining the Morrow Police Department. Officer Inot is P.O.S.T. certified with training including DUI Case Preparation & Court Presentation, DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Test, Tactical Rifle, Radar Operator Training and Interviews and Interrogations. Please join me in welcoming him as we are pleased to have him as part of our team.

Officer Brian Hill joined our City of Morrow Police Department on April 21, 2008. Officer Hill served with the City of Marietta and City of Albany Police Departments. Officer Hill is P.O.S.T. certified with training including Family Violence, Specialized Patrol Techniques, Interpersonal Relations/Crisis and Judgmental Simulation/Deadly Force. Please join me in welcoming him as we are pleased to have him as part of our team.

On November 16th, 2007 Class #1 of the Volunteers in Police Services program celebrated the graduation of 7 new volunteers. The VIPS program assists the Morrow Police Department in community crime prevention, special events, and times of national crisis. Persons interested in joining the VIPS program should contact Lt. Wayne Butler at 770-961-4006 or wbutler@cityofmorrow.com. The City of Morrow is proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers and we welcome the newest members to the team.

On October 20, 2007 the Morrow Police Department in concert with the Clayton County Harley Davidson Dealership hosted a Benefit Poker Run for Lt. Hal White who was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2007. Lt. White has been a member of the Morrow Police Department since 1984. As a result of the Poker Run and generous donations over $3000.00 was raised for Lt. White. The event included a Poker Run bike ride, raffle, t-shirt sales, music and food. The weather for the day was perfect and the amount of support from the city was heartwarming to say the least. Donations can still be made at any Southern Federal Credit Union to the Morrow Police Lt. Hal White Fund.

The Morrow Police Department would like to thank everyone who provided assistance with this event.

On October 24th, 2007 Sgt. Rebecca Lovinski was awarded a 10 year service pin at the Morrow City Council Meeting. Congratulations to Sgt. Lovinski on her 10 years of wonderful service to the City of Morrow.

Georgia Governor’s Challenge

Chief Jeff Baker and the Morrow Police Department were honored by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety at the Georgia Governor’s Challenge Awards luncheon on September 14, 2007. Morrow Police received a first place in the State for agency Class 3, agencies with 26-50 sworn officers. The Morrow Police also took the top award, the Governor’s Cup, which is awarded to the agency with the highest application score. There were more than 90 agencies across the state that turned in applications for the Governor’s Challenge.

By entering into the Georgia Governor’s Challenge, The Morrow Police Department was automatically entered into the International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Challenge. The Governor’s Challenge is fashioned after the Law Enforcement Challenge. The IACP Law Enforcement Challenge receives hundreds of applications from law enforcement agencies across the country, and around the world. Chief Baker and the Morrow Police Department received first place in their category, Municipal Police-4. They will receive the award in October in New Orleans, LA, at the 114th annual IACP Conference, to which IACP will pay for Chief Baker to attend.

On September 20th, 2007 Cadet Anthony Werbenec graduated from the Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Officer Werbenec served in with the 190th Military Police Company/ARMY National where he had active service in Iraq, CONUS and the G-8 Summit. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for ensuring the security of facilities at FORSCOM. We are pleased to have him as part of our team and congratulate him on his achievement.

Officer Brad Smith joined our City of Morrow Police Department on July 11, 2007. Officer Smith was formerly with the City of Fayetteville Police Department. Prior to Fayetteville he served with the Henry County Police Department. Officer Smith is P.O.S.T. certified. His training history includes but is not limited to On Scene Accident Investigation, First Responder, Criminal Procedure and Advanced Traffic Law. We are pleased to have him as part of our team.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Joint Vice Task Force executed a search warrant at 8647 Tara Boulevard. This location is the business of the Poker Palace. The Vice Task Force is comprised of members from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Morrow Police Department. Their goal is to eradicate issues in the county that directly effect quality of life issues. The Vice Task Force recently shut down all illegal spas in Clayton County, two counterfeit clothing stores in Riverdale, two illegal gambling halls in the City of Morrow, and two major piracy operations in Atlanta.

The investigation into the Poker Palace has been going on for sometime. Information came to light that the Poker Palace has slot machines and Texas-Hold-Em games that paid out in cash. Agents from the task force were able to get inside the location in an undercover capacity. While at the Poker Palace, agents played the slot machines and did receive cash pay outs that exceed the limits allowed under Georgia Law. Agents were then able to play Texas-Hold-Em and received cash pay outs in excess of $400.00. Agents played for several hours and won several hands and also lost several hands. The owner of the Poker Palace is Wayne Reinhardt. He is 68 years old and has a criminal record that dates back 51 years. His record also includes convictions of gambling and RICO.

The Task Force will seize the business as well as arrest everyone on location gambling. This is an ongoing sustained effort to weed out vice related crimes in Clayton County.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Joint Vice Task Force, which is comprised of personnel from the City of Morrow Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, intercepted one hundred and fifty five pounds of marijuana on 05/30/2007.

The Task Force received a call from law enforcement officials in Phoenix, Arizona early in the morning on 05/26/2007. Agents learned that the package was being shipped to Clayton County in a crate containing mufflers. The Vice Unit learned that authorities in Phoenix had already seized over three hundred pounds of marijuana from the same shipper to the same recipient. Agents were able to secure a search warrant for the crate in Clayton County Magistrate Court. Agents then intercepted the crate at a local shipping company and opened the crate. Hidden deep inside the crate under mufflers was one hundred and fifty five pounds of marijuana. Agents seized the drugs and tested them. Agents received a positive reaction for marijuana. The crate was put back together and delivered to its intended recipient. Agents were present to watch the delivery. The delivery location was inside of DeKalb County and Agents received the assistance of the Dekalb County Narcotics Squad.

The location of the delivery was a warehouse with one employee. That employee was already identified by Vice Agents prior to the delivery of the narcotics. Vice Agents and DeKalb Narcotics Agents made contact with that suspect at the warehouse after the delivery was made. The shipping crate had been dismantled completely and all the mufflers removed. It is also important to note that this warehouse did not deal in any kind of automotive parts. It is also apparent from this investigation that the warehouse management, who are out of state, did not know what this rouge employee was doing. That is why we are not releasing the name of this company.

The suspect was not taken into custody at this time pending further investigation, but arrests are forthcoming. This pipeline for the trafficking of narcotics has been running for several months. That pipeline is now shut down and the narcotics are off the streets.

The Vice Unit will continue to investigate the types of crimes here in Clayton County. If you have tips that you would like to pass on to us our number is 770-960-3018.

Morrow Elementary students graduated recently and received the certificates for completing the G.R.E.A.T. program. The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed as a precursor to the middle school curriculum. This component establishes the foundation that prepares children for the intensified content and cooperation exercises taught in the middle school curriculum, while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth. Reaching children at an earlier stage of development allows for a better transition into the middle school curriculum. The goal of the program is to prevent violence while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth during their early developmental years. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with and reinforcement of other prevention programs and as a precursor to the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum. The Morrow Police Department is proud to offer this program.

The City of Morrow is privileged to have been selected to be the location for the Southeast’s first Embassy of Hungary’s Honorary Consulate. This is also the first foreign consulate to be located south of I-20 in Atlanta. Chief Baker was honored to be able to spend time with Ambassador András Simonyi and the Washington D.C. Embassy staff that accompanied him. Among the many things discussed was Ambassador Simonyi’s desire to create a partnership and exchange program between the Hungarian National Police and the Morrow Police Department. We look forward to strengthening this relationship! Please visit www.huembwas.org the link to the Embassy of Hungary in Washington, D.C. for more information regarding our new friends and their country.

Officer Curtis Turner joined our City of Morrow Police Department on May 7, 2007. Officer Turner was formerly with the Conyers Police Department where he served as Patrol Officer and Field Services Division.

Officer Turner is P.O.S.T. certified. He has a training history including, but not limited to, Drug Identification, DWI & Field Sobriety Testing and Basic Law Enforcement.

Officer Turner served 13 years in the United States Army’s Medical Corp. There he studied under the Academy of Health Sciences, Army Institute of Professional Development, Naval School of Health Sciences and Federal Emergency Management Institute. He also received numerous medals and ribbons during his service including Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Turner as we are pleased to have him as part of our team.

Effective March, 2007, Chung Quach joined the Morrow Police Department as a Police Officer. Officer Chung recently graduated as a Police Cadet while reporting to the Office of Professional Standards for training and assignments. Please join us in welcoming him as we are very fortunate to have him as a part of our team.

On Friday, March 2, 2007 Chief Baker participated in Clayton County Public School’s Celebrity Read program to help celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the annual Read Across America Day. Reading fluently and being able to comprehend what you read are two of our Georgia Performance Standards. Chief Baker read to students at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School to help motivate their desire to read for pleasure and information and to allow them to hear their favorite stories read by different voices.

The Morrow Police Department is pleased to showcase the new Dodge Charger as our patrol vehicle. We have returned to a more traditional color scheme of black and white for six of these vehicles. Two additional Chargers will be blue in color and marked in accordance with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety H.E.A.T. Unit requirements.

These cars are mean and aggressive - they are designed to send a message to the criminal element: you can run, but we wouldn’t suggest it...