The Gainesville Kiwanis Club issued the 27th annual John W. Jacobs, Sr. Memorial Awards for excellence in law enforcement Tuesday.
The awards were presented at the club's meeting at First Baptist Church on Green Street as part of the club's recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The award was given to one member each of several law enforcement agencies in Hall County.
The winners are listed below:
- Hall County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Jesus Calderon
- Gainesville Police Department: Officer Ben Green
- Flowery Branch Police Department: Sgt. Jake Xayavong
- Georgia State Patrol Post 6: Trooper Brett A. Smith
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Game Warden Joe Thompson
The North Georgia Community Foundation also presented the 2024 Coleman, Chambers and Rogers First Responders Scholarship to Commerce High School graduating senior Rylee Allen Tuesday. Her father, John Anthony Allen, is a lieutenant with Hall County Fire Rescue who has served in the community for over 25 years. The scholarship is valued at $1,200.
Kiwanis Club member and Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services Ricky Rich presented the annual program.
