Thursday March 28th, 2024 6:32PM

Banks County deputy honored with GSA Award of Valor

When the Georgia Sheriff’s Association held its awards banquet Thursday night at Lake Lanier Islands, Banks County Deputy Sheriff Robert Wilkins was honored with the Deputy of the Year — Award of Valor for events that happened April 26 near Tanger Outlets at Banks Crossing.

Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed nominated Wilkins, who was shot by a fleeing armed robbery suspect, for the recognition.

“April 26th of this year, we had an incident in Banks County that no folks here ever want to hear,” Speed said in introducing Wilkins. “What do you say about somebody who goes out and puts their life on the line every day? Where do you start?”

Speed and his administration put together a slide show featuring radio traffic from the incident, as well as news coverage and photographs of the incidents of that day. That slide show, with music in the background, was shown to those gathered for the awards banquet.

Included in the radio traffic in the slide show was Wilkins calmly saying, “Dispatch, I’ve been shot.”

Following the slide show, Wilkins received a standing ovation as he made his way to the podium to speak.

“I want to say thank you to everybody who had a part in that entire event, from the day it happened, up until that Friday when it ended in Atlanta,” Wilkins said. “Sheriff Mangum, Jackson County; Sheriff Couch, Hall County; Sheriff Terrell, Habersham County; and Sheriff Thomas from Franklin County, thank y’all. I appreciate it.”

Wilkins had good things to say about his new career in law enforcement and Banks County Sheriff’s Office.

“I want to thank my sheriff’s office,” Wilkins said. “These people have afforded me an opportunity for something I have wanted for a long time. I appreciate the opportunity that they give me. I go to work every day happy, wanting to be there.”

Wilkins said he expressed concern to his lieutenant the day before receiving the award, telling him he was supposed to be on duty at the time of the presentation. The lieutenant told him he could count the hours related to receiving the award.

“I’m not worried about the time, I’m worried about being on duty,” Wilkins said. “I didn’t clock in today. I’m going in tomorrow and Saturday and I’m going to work 12 hours in Banks County in my patrol car. I love my job. I love what I do. I love being there.”

Wilkins, who worked in the fire service in Atlanta for 23 of his 29 years before retiring from that career, said he enjoyed that work, but loves his new vocation.

He shared the award with his family and all law enforcement families.

“This Valor Award represents a piece of each person sitting in this room, whether you’re a mother or father, brother or sister or child of a law enforcement officer, it takes valor on everybody’s part,” Wilkins said. “It’s not just a one-man show.”

Wilkins thanked Speed, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association for the award.

“I’m blown away,” Wilkins said. “I’m a rookie, man. I’m 50 years old. I’ve been in public safety almost 30 years. Here I am less than a year on the job in law enforcement and I’m receiving this type award. I don’t know what to say.”

Wilkins concluded by telling those gathered to stay safe in the performance of their duties.

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