VALDOSTA —
Although Brian Childress has been serving as the Valdosta police chief for nearly two weeks, today, the city will make it official in a special ceremony.
Anyone who knows him well or works with him understands his aversion to the limelight, always deflecting attention away from himself to recognize his officers and other agencies. Being the center of attention today will be a challenge for him, but one he will have to become more accustomed to as the leader of the city’s police force. As the chief, Childress’ responsibilities have changed from his days as a commander, and that responsibility includes being at the forefront of all investigations.
Having worked in departments throughout the VPD, Childress understands the daily routine as well as anybody, and he can empathize with officers handling difficult cases, juggling multiple responsibilities, working long hours, and still trying to maintain some normalcy in their lives.
Being a law-enforcement officer is not a job as much as it is a calling, and officers are either dedicated to their work or they find it doesn’t suit them and they leave to find less stressful, higher paying positions in other fields. Those who stay do so out of an innate sense of duty, honor, courage, and justice. Nothing is more important than upholding the law and keeping the community and its citizens safe from harm.
While there are times when men are promoted beyond their abilities, this is not the case today. Chief Childress earned this position through dedication, hard work, perseverance, and commitment. He understands what is expected and worked with former Chief Frank Simons to ensure a smooth transition for the department.
The Valdosta Police Department has a strong advocate in Childress, and the officers know that while they may not always agree with their new chief or his decisions, those decisions will be made honestly, fairly, and with integrity.
The department has been in good hands for 17 years, and that legacy is continuing today. Congratulations, Chief Childress. You earned it.
What We Think
Congratulations Chief
- What We Think
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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New school scoring system
The first year of any new program is always a tough one.
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