Fannin swaps drafts on Alarm Ordinance with changes
News August 3, 2022
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – Set to take effect in September, Fannin County approved its new Alarm Ordinance in June 2022, but indicated the wrong draft in the official motion. July saw the board rectify this with a new motion indicating the intended draft of the ordinance for use.
The ordinance had noted changes between the drafts. Fannin Board of Commissioners (BOC) Chairman Jamie Hensley stated that there were originally three drafts being considered.
With 377 alarms coming to the Sheriff’s Office during 2022 in Fannin County at the end of June, the county, Hensley said only two of the alarms “were legit.” One of the major changes noted in the meeting was that alarms without verification will not see law enforcement dispatched to locations. Hensley read the highlighted change stating, “The alarm activation alone, without verification, will not be dispatched for law enforcement response.”
Hensley said that a call from homeowners or those with visuals alongside the alarm activation could be that verification. Later, the board also noted that verification could be a separate entry notification after the first in a different area of the home. It could also be cameras on site providing the verification. Additionally, Hensley noted that law enforcement will not respond to non-permitted residential burglar alarms.
Further in the new draft, speaking to alarm companies it is noted, “Failure to provide verification within 24 hours of dispatching law enforcement could result in the placement of the residence on a do-not-respond list.”
Post Commissioner Glenn Patterson stated, “Basically, it puts the responsibility back, to some extent, on the the person that’s getting the alarm. We decided to do that due to the very high number of police dispatches that has went out there.”
Fannin Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Hensley
The commissioners noted that many alarms like this come from animals like squirrels or renters who are staying at the locations. Post Commissioner Johnny Scearce said many places have alarms continuously going off from simple things like wind blowing and rattling doors or windows. Some people even tell you they aren’t coming to a rental residence after so many alarm activations.
Hensley assured citizens saying, “If somebody needs law enforcement, they’re going to come.” He also went on to note that this only changes for law enforcement. Fire alarms and medical emergencies will still respond to all alarms.
The county also set up a fine for false alarms beginning at third dispatches. There are no charges for first and second false alarms. However, there is a $100 fine for failure to register alarm systems. With the third false alarm response within a permit year will see a $150 fine. The fourth false alarm will be $250. The fifth false alarm within at permit year will be fined $500.
The draft was approved unanimously by the board.
Fannin Sheriff’s Administration announces death of Corporal Gazaway
Announcements, Police & Government January 30, 2022
FANNIN, Ga. — In a facebook post, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Administration announced the death of Corporal Richard Gazaway and his wife Heather Gazaway.
The announcement was posted Jan. 29 alongside a picture of the Gazaway couple and can be seen below.
“Corporal Richard Gazaway #327
End of Watch: January 28, 2022
It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our own, Corporal Richard Gazaway. He was involved in a tragic car accident last night January 28, 2022. His wife, Heather also succumbed to her injuries.
Corporal Gazaway began his career with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Officer in August of 2013. He quickly decided that he wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff and became a certified officer in December of 2015. Through hard work and determination he was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal on January 1, 2022.
Corporal Gazaway was an invaluable asset to our office. He was always willing to pick up an extra shift, whether in the jail or on patrol, back up another deputy, and was known for his dedication to his job. He was a devoted husband and father to his daughters Skylar and Riley.
We ask that you keep Corporal Gazaway’s children and family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult journey.”
In a subsequent post, The Sheriff’s Administration shared a picture of the escort the Gazaways received writing, “We appreciate all of the effort and cooperation it took to coordinate with every agency to allow a safe trip home. We would like to thank Fannin Fire and EMS, Blue Ridge Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia DNR, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Ellijay Police Department, Gilmer County Fire Department, Fannin Dispatch, our own deputies that traveled to Gainesville and all the other volunteers tonight that assisted in escorting Corporal Gazaway and his wife Heather home.”
McCaysville Police Department year end activity report
Community, News, Police & Government January 20, 2021
McCaysville, Ga. – McCaysville Chief of Police Michael Earley gave the year-end stats for his department’s activity, as well as the latest update for the month of December 2020, at the city’s January 2021 monthly meeting.
The City of McCaysville Police Department had a busy year in 2020 with the following duties being carried out:
- 149 Arrest Warrants
- 897 Dispatched Calls from 911 Center
- 178 Citations
- 678 Warning Citations
- 430 Walk-In Reports
- 84 Arrests made
- 83 Investigator Call Outs
- 2463 Phone Calls to the Office
- 67 Traffic Violations
- 1 Runaway Juvenile
- 17 Alcohol Related Incidents
- 2 False Statement Incidents
- 6 Obstruction of Police Officers
- 4 Death Investigations
- 5 Shoplifting Cases
- 5 Firearm Cases
- 9 Thefts
- 4 Terroristic Threats/Acts
- 2 Forgery Cases
- 17 Disorderly Conduct
- 2 Fraud Cases
- 5 Harassing Phone Call Cases
- 5 Juvenile Cases
- 1 Disorderly House
- 1 Illegal Dumping
- 3 Drug Related Object
- 1 Psychological Call
- 30 Drug Related (where drugs were found on person)
- 17 Civil Standbys (officers present during removal of property due to divorce, eviction…)
- 1 Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
- 2 Businesses Break Ins
- 5 Aggravated Assaults with a Deadly Weapon (a weapon was drawn)
- 8 Warrant Service Call Outs
- 11 Battery Reports
- 4 Retrieval of Items (lost or stolen property)
- 2 Suicides
- 1 Reckless Conduct
- 1 Animal Call
- 5 Cruelty to Children
- 1 Stalking
- 1 Interference with Government Property
- 4 Burglaries
- 11 Criminal Trespass
- 5 Damage to Property Reports
Monthly Report for December 2020
- 65 Dispatched Calls
- 33 Traffic Stops
- 5 Citations
- 25 Warnings
- 32 Walk-Ins
- 3 Arrests
- 2 CID Calls
- 10 Warrants
- 194 Phone Calls
Earley also referenced that the department was off to an interesting start in 2021 with the recent theft of a Fannin County school bus.
“We had a school bus stolen here in the city,” Earley stated, “Thank God we got that recovered before he got too far down the road.”
Earley acknowledged the help of other law enforcement agencies in apprehending the individual responsible for the bus theft, in particular Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
The individual arrested, David York, has been charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor. Other charges are still pending.
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Scearce released from CHI Memorial Hospital
Community, Featured News, Featured Stories, News, Police & Government January 16, 2021
Blue Ridge, Ga. – After a long battle with Covid-19, Blue Ridge Chief of Police and recently elected Fannin County Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce has been released from the hospital.
CHI Memorial Hospital released a video of Scearce being cheered on as he made his Honor Walk out of the hospital.
“Thank you all, God bless and what a great hospital and staff,” Scearce said as he made his way through a hall of staff cheering on his recovery.
Scearce had been in the hospital for 94 days according to CHI Memorial, but his battle with Covid-19 began in Sept. of 2020.
Scearce being released after 94 days at CHI Memorial. Image courtesy of CHI Memorial.
News of Scearce contracting the virus quickly spread via social media on Sept. 17 as his wife Brenda posted a personal post on Facebook asking for prayers for her husband.
At the time of the original post Scearce was in a regular room at Fannin Regional Hospital but struggling with maintaining healthy oxygen levels.
A prayer vigil was held outside the hospital for Scearce on Sept. 19 and Brenda posted a heartfelt thank you from both her and her husband.
During his stay at Fannin Regional Hospital, Scearce was sedated and put on a ventilator for several days, but was able to overcome this hurdle and made significant improvements. Scearce was released from Fannin Regional Hospital and returned home at the end of Sept.
While Scearce continued to make steady improvements at home, he was still experiencing low oxygen levels. News broke on Oct. 12 that he was being transferred via ambulance to CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga.
The City of Blue Ridge along with Scearce’s brothers in blue gathered for a prayer vigil at the City Park on Oct. 13 and it was there that information was given as to the critical level of Scearce’s condition.
The community continued to rally behind their Chief of Police over the next several months with fundraisers and prayers.
The news of Scearce’s release from CHI Memorial is a major milestone that was celebrated by many via social media. Scearce still faces a long road of rehabilitation but the community remains confident that he will overcome any hurdles that he may face.
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McCaysville Police Department face major budget cuts
Community, News, Police & Government July 17, 2020
McCaysville, Ga. – The City of McCaysville Police Department (MPD) recently saw major cuts in the form of lay-offs and overtime elimination.
The McCaysville City Council voted unanimously on the cuts (with the exception of Larry Collis who has a conflict of interest and must recuse himself from voting on police related matters).
After an executive session, council returned with council member Gilida Carter stating, “We’ve been in here making some very, very difficult decisions,” and adding, “This has been really gut wrenching. We’ve worried about it. We’ve put time in on it, but we are going to have to make some changes.”
(L) Officer Gary Holloway (R) Captain Billy Brackett
Among the changes made by council were the elimination of the position of Investigator that was held by Captain Billy Brackett, also the elimination of MPD’s most recent full time hire Officer Gary Holloway, and eliminating overtime pay for Chief of Police Michael Earley by moving him to salary.
“We are definitely going to have to cut or the city is not going to have the money to go on over the next year,” Carter said of the motions being passed. “These gentlemen will have the opportunity to apply for unemployment. This is not firing. This is layoffs.”
Earley spoke during the monthly Police Update starting off, “I would like to ask the council why they lied to me?”
According to Earley, council member Collis had assured him two days prior to the meeting that everything was fine with the department.
Collis, who was visibly upset by the events, later in the meeting spoke up saying, “I would make the suggestion that those that voted for this fiasco forfeit their 911 service and show some solidarity.”
Of main concern to Earley is the dangers his officers would face working shifts alone. Earley informed the council that overtime would more than likely be unavoidable: “I’m asking the council, begging the council, don’t let my officers be out there by themselves during the night or during the day.”
“Well with the staff that you had, you had tremendous overtime. Why was that?” Carter questioned Earley.
“Cause calls keep coming in,” Earley answered back.
Earley spoke of the job that police officers do and the dangers of the job, “Police officers are willing to do what most people cannot or will not do on a day to day basis. They put themselves in dangerous situations that could end with them being hurt or even killed.”
He later likened the council’s move to that of the national political movement to defund the police, “You are creating that animosity that should not exist. You are putting that target on our backs. You are making it unsafe for us to go to work. Is it money? Are we trying to distract and deter for political gain? What is the reason?”
“For the people out there that are hypocrites, who say you support the police and pat us on the back and then stab us in the back saying we got too many police officers and we need to cut. You should be ashamed of yourself because you know you are doing this for political reasons,” Earley spoke to the council.
Council member Jason Woody replied to Earley’s questioning, “We are not defunding the police department. If we keep going the way that we are going right now, within six months we will not have a General Fund. It will be down to zero.”
Council members stated that every department in the city has cut their budgets and there have also been layoffs in these other departments.
The other departments which include, Administrative, Street Department and Water Department had already cut their budgets, with the Police Department stating that they couldn’t find any cuts to be made and were still requesting an increase.
As of May 22, 2020 the total fund expenditures for the City of McCaysville was estimated to come to $1,413,184.32 with revenues coming of $866,805.17, giving the city a $546,379.15 shortfall. Of these numbers the Police Department expenditures accounted for around 70 percent of the current revenue.
“Right now the money is not there. It’s not been there for awhile,” Woody said of the cuts and the city’s budget, “For every department, as the year progresses we will reassess, we will see what we can do to help alleviate the pressure off these departments.”
The McCaysville Police Department Statistics for the month of June were:
- 76 – 911 calls
- 90 – traffic stops
- 10 – citations
- 98 – warnings
- 75 – walk-ins
- 1 – arrest
- 139 – phone calls
McCaysville Department Budget Overview
McCaysville Police Department Budget 2016 – 2020
McCaysville Administrative Budget 2016 -2020
McCaysville Street Department Budget 2016 -2020
McCaysville Water Department (Water Distribution Only) Budget 2016 -2020
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McCaysville Police Department revises day to day procedures
Community, News March 19, 2020
McCaysville, Ga. – Amidst the outbreak of Covid-19 many government services and departments are having to amend policies and procedures to adapt to an ever changing environment.
Small towns are not immune to the stress that Covid-19 is putting on public systems. Many areas are responding to guidelines being put in place in an attempt to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the very contagious virus.
McCaysville Chief of Police Michael Earley released a statement detailing the procedures that his department will implement immediately until further notice. Earley did stress that the procedures are for the safety of his staff and the public, and that all new policies would only be temporary.
Statement from McCaysville Chief of Police Michael Earley:
City of McCaysville Police Department
CEO: Chief of Police Michael O. EarleyDear Citizens,
Our state and country have come under the the grips of the threat of Covid-19, better known as the corona virus. Our city, thus far, has been fortunate and has been relatively untouched by the illness. However, in the face of grave information from the CDC, federal officials, and the healthcare professionals regarding the spread and mortality rates in certain marginal groups, your police department will not stand idle. In order to maintain an operational and healthy police force, our department will be altering some of our day to day activities. These modifications are temporary and are intended to only last the duration of our current crisis.In citizen encounters, our officers have been instructed to avoid certain courtesies, such as shaking hands. They have also been instructed to limit casual interactions with the public. This is not to encourage rudeness, but to limit the mediums of contact most likely to spread the virus. In the performance of law enforcement duties, officers may come into contact with affected persons, and by limiting contact with the public we will reduce the chance of exposing our citizens to an undue risk.While we will be enduring these limitations, all of our employees will be at work and our will be carrying our their normal patrols. We will, however, be closing the lobby area at our physical location, and no longer offer fingerprints services for alcohol employment permits. You will still be able to reach us by phone at 706-492-4636. If you still need to file a report you can still be able to do so by contacting 911.I will also be authorizing our officers to take certain non-emergency calls by phone. These calls will be those in which no crime is in progress and where no evidence ca.n be obtained. These include misdemeanor thefts, incidents of fraud, medical calls, custody disputes, civil disputes and “Are you OK?” checks.
I cannot emphasize enough that these modifications in our operations are both temporary and essential to keeping the City of McCaysville safe. Please pray for the leaders of this nation, state, and local government. Pray that God will heal our people and we find a cure to prevent the spread of the virus.
God bless you all,
Michael O. Earley
Chief of Police
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Feb. 2020 McCaysville Police Department Activity Report
Community, News March 15, 2020
The City of McCaysville Police Department
Activity Report for Feb. 2020
- 297 calls directly to the police station
- 19 citations written
- 45 walk-in reports
- 84 warnings issued
- 74 traffic stops
- 86 dispatches to calls
- 9 arrests
- 11 CID (Criminal Investigation Department) Calls
- 2 DUIs
Click Here to see McCaysville Police Department Activity Report Jan. 2020
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