THOMASVILLE- Monday night’s City of Thomasville Council meeting saw many accolades, with officers from both Thomasville Fire Rescue and the Thomasville Police Department being recognized with Life Saving Awards by Mayor Jay Flowers. 

Fire Rescue Chief Tim Connell began by thanking the Council for allowing him to honor his men for a life safe. 

“It’s not often we do this,” he said. “Early recognition helps us with that, but on a rare occasion, we are called to do just what these young men have done and I’m proud of them. Their training shows and their dedication to the department shows.” 

Connell honored Capt. Mark Stephens, Lieutenant Ben Palmer and Firefighter Josh Harper with life-saving medals that the honorees can wear on their uniforms during special occasions. 

Following the medal presentation Connell thanked his men for what they’ve done and continue to do for the community.

Mayor Flowers thanked the men, as well, stating the medals were only a small token of their appreciation. 

 TPD Chief John Letteney then took to the floor, where he presented three Life Saving Awards. 

Letteney recounted that on afternoon of May 13, 2022, Officers Leonard Angel, Paul Murphy and Brian Williams responded to a medical call for an unresponsive male, who was not breathing. The officers immediately assisted the male and determined he was showing signs of an Opioid overdose and deployed Naloxone and utilized CPR, successfully reviving the male upon EMS arrival. During the ride to the hospital, the male was alert and speaking. 

“The saving of human life is one of the highest callings of a law enforcement officer,” Letteney said. “Their actions actually saved an individual, whom they had never met. These actions bring great credit among themselves, Thomasville Police Department and the Law Enforcement profession and it is my honor to present the Life Saving Award.” 

Letteney then presented a Service Award to Craig Brogan, who is a fiber telecom technician for the City of Thomasville. 

“It is well known that officers were attacked by a gunman on April 13, 2022,” Letteney stated. “Law Enforcement Officers from all around South Georgia and North Florida responded to help assist in locating the gunman. For hours, officers poured over the district of the would-be murderer.” 

The fact the gunman was at-large posed a significant threat to the community, Letteney recounted. 

Letteney explained Brogan was made aware of the situation briefly by his boss that morning, and as he entered his office, he saw a male in the wooded property across the street. He then alerted authorities as to what he had seen. 

Officers then combed the area and found the gunman and transported him to the Thomas County Jail, where he remains for the attempted murder of several law enforcement officers. 

“Mr. Brogan is the type of person who makes living in this community great,” Lettteny explained. “Instead of turning a blind eye, he was concerned for the well-being of his neighbors. He relayed information that any other person may have simply ignored.” 

Officers believe Brogan’s report directly led to the arrest of the gunman. 

“Thomasville Police Department is thankful for Mr. Brogan and for his actions that day,” Letteney said. “Without him, we don’t know what would’ve happen, but we would not have been able to take him into custody as quickly or safely without your involvement.” 

Brogan received a thunderous round of applause to close out the awards for the evening, before Mayor Flowers returned to new business on the regular meeting schedule.