The Georgia State Patrol has promoted Elbert County native Donnie O’Neal Saddler to post commander at Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa.
Sgt. 1st Class Saddler began his career with the Georgia Department of Public Safety in the Executive Security Division in 2002, where he provided security for Gov. Roy Barnes and Gov. Sonny Purdue.
Saddler served as a trooper at GSP posts in Athens, Toccoa, and Hartwell.
Saddler was promoted to corporal at the Athens post in 2016, then later to sergeant at the Gwinnett post.
Saddler is a member of the GSP Peer Support Team and serves as the supervisor over the University of Georgia football security detail.
In 2012, he was on the GSP Presidential Inauguration detail in Washington, D.C.
He is also the recipient of the Outstanding DUI Detection Award from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015.
Saddler attended Voorhees College, Middle Georgia College and Gordon College. He began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff with the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and was a ranger for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Saddler resides in Elbert County and is married to Deandra Rucker Saddler. They have two sons, Tysley and Malachi.
The Toccoa post covers Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun counties. Capt. Steve Ruston is the troop commander.
