The Cobb Chamber held its annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon at the Coca-Cola Roxy, marking the start of Public Safety Appreciation Week, a community event honoring the dedication of Cobb County’s public safety professionals. 

Melissa Alterio, the Chamber’s Public Safety Chairwoman and Director of Cobb County Emergency Communications, and Lance LoRusso, a local attorney, expressed their gratitude and encouraged ongoing community support for public safety agencies. 

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to public safety personnel from various agencies, including police, fire, sheriff’s office, campus police, and emergency medical services.

The following list of honorees, along with descriptions of how they won their award, is copied from the Chamber’s press release:

Public Safety Employee of the Year

This award is given to an employee who has performed his or her job with exceptional skill, exhibited leadership and critical incident management and a devotion to their responsibilities.

Confidential Officer, Acworth Police Department

The 2024 Public Safety Employee of the Year recipient is a confidential officer who serves with the Drug Enforcement Administration and frequently works undercover, engaging with dangerous drug traffickers across Georgia, the United States, and internationally. In this role, the officer excels in developing innovative solutions that lead to the disruption and dismantling of large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operations.

On May 29th, 2023, this officer encountered a woman attempting suicide on the North Booth Road bridge over I-575. The officer immediately called Cobb 911 for additional assistance and engaged with the woman, who had positioned herself on the outside of the bridge’s fence with Christmas lights looped around her neck. With calm, compassionate communication, the officer was able to de-escalate the situation and keep her from further harm. When additional units arrived, he successfully guided her back to safety, allowing her to receive the emergency care she needed. His actions likely saved her life.

Award of Merit

The Award of Merit recognizes a deserving recipient for acts of courage, demonstrating genuine care and concern for the citizens of the community and going above and beyond the call of duty, often resulting in a life being saved.

For the 2024 awards, two Awards of Merit were presented.

Company 7 B Shift, Cobb County Fire Department

For their lifesaving actions, safely recovering three individuals from their burning home and going above and beyond their fire training,

In the early morning of July 2023, Company 7 B Shift responded to a house fire. Upon arrival, they were met by a resident who had narrowly escaped the flames by jumping out of a window. The crew learned that three individuals were still inside the home.

Engine 7’s crew entered the house to begin the rescue mission. Despite the rapidly intensifying fire and zero visibility, the first victim was found and removed from the home. Meanwhile, Squad 7 gained entry through a window on the opposite side of the home and found a second victim hiding in the bathtub. The squad members removed the unresponsive man from the home and began life-saving efforts on the victim. Engine 7’s crew re-entered the home, navigating through hoarding conditions to reach a bedroom near the fire’s origin. They extracted the third victim from the home. Thanks to the crew’s swift and coordinated actions, all three victims were accounted for, and the fire was extinguished before it could cause further harm.

Officer Isaac Moore, Marietta Police Department

On September 23, 2023, Officer Isaac Moore responded to a serious auto accident on Interstate 75 South, where two women had been struck outside of their vehicle. One woman had a partially severed right leg and a completely severed left leg.

Remaining calm amidst the chaos, Officer Moore applied tourniquets to the woman’s legs, saving her life. A Grady Memorial Hospital physician later confirmed that Officer Moore’s quick actions not only saved her life but also preserved her legs.

Distinguished Achievement Award

The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose service and performance has exceeded the demands of the job.

Sergeant William Nerio, Cobb County Police Department

Sergeant William Nerio has made significant strides in his 16 years with the Cobb County Police Department, particularly in improving community relations. Originally from El Salvador, Sergeant Nerio moved to the United States in his early 20s with limited English skills but a strong desire to become a police officer. He pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, before joining the Cobb County Police Department.

As the Hispanic Liaison for the Community Affairs Unit, Sergeant Nerio played a crucial role in bridging the cultural gap between the police department and the county’s growing Hispanic community.

Sergeant Nerio also cultivated relationships with diplomats from Central and South American countries, attending events with consular officials from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Brazil. His work led to the first-ever summit between the Cobb County Police Chief and representatives of several Spanish-speaking nations, strengthening ties and fostering trust.

Outstanding Community Contribution Award

The Outstanding Community Contribution Award recognizes an individual who epitomizes what it means to be a community-oriented public servant.

For the 2024 awards, two awards were presented.

Corporal Eric Mistretta, Acworth Police Department

Corporal Mistretta joined the Acworth Police Department in 2019 and quickly demonstrated his leadership capabilities. Cpl. Mistretta serves as the lead advisor for the Acworth Police Cadets program, where his guidance has had a profound impact on the students, helping them grow into leaders among their peers. He also holds several key roles within the department: Public Information Officer; Coordinator for the Citizens Police Academy; Lead Advisor and President of the Police Cadets program; Board Member and Treasurer of the Acworth Police Community Foundation; Recruiter and Coordinator for the hiring program; Representative on the City-wide Communications Committee, and Social Media Coordinator for the agency.

Director Tanya Smith, The SAFE Center at Kennesaw State University

Dr. Tanya Smith has dedicated over 29 years to law enforcement, victim advocacy, and non-profit organizations. From October 2023 to March 2024, Dr. Smith, as Executive Director of The SAFE Center, led the establishment of a campus resource dedicated to a comprehensive and forensic response to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and strangulation. She secured four grants totaling $323,000, funding vital staff salaries and supplies. Dr. Smith also created Georgia’s first soft interview room, providing a safe and comfortable setting for victims.

Her passion for helping others has left an indelible mark on Kennesaw State, creating a safer and more supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor is the highest award recognizing an individual for an act of bravery in a life-threatening situation. The award is only presented when a deserving candidate is found.

For the 2024 awards, Medals of Valor were presented to two individuals and one unit.

Officer Thomas Weldon, formerly of Cobb Police Department

Officer Thomas Weldon exemplified bravery and commitment on September 19, 2023, when he responded to a robbery in progress at a Chevron gas station. The 911 dispatcher reported that a clerk was being held at gunpoint by a violent suspect. Officer Weldon was the first to arrive and, despite the imminent danger, entered the store alone to protect the lives of those inside.

Approaching the suspect tactically, Officer Weldon issued loud commands for the suspect to drop his weapon. The suspect complied, and Officer Weldon safely took him into custody without further incident. His quick thinking and courage in the face of danger prevented the situation from escalating.

Officer David Hubbart, Kennesaw Police Department

Officer David Hubbartt serves on the Kennesaw Police Department’s Night Watch team. On March 16, 2024, while off duty, Officer Hubbart was returning from a soccer game with his family on a MARTA train when he heard what sounded like a gunshot.

As passengers scattered, Officer Hubbartt identified an individual holding a firearm. Without hesitation, he subdued the suspect, using his training to neutralize the threat until MARTA Police arrived. Although the sound was later determined to have been caused by a metal latch, the individual was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm.

Officer Hubbartt’s quick thinking and decisive action prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. His commitment to protecting others, even off duty, is commendable.

Engine 3, Smyrna Fire Department

On June 11, 2023, the Smyrna Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a working structure fire with a trapped victim. The victim was unable to breathe due to heavy smoke and flames.

Engine 3’s crew arrived to find a structure fire that was quickly spreading. The crew assessed the situation and formed an incident action plan. The crew swiftly knocked down the heavy fire at the front door and kitchen area, then performed a rapid search, locating and rescuing the trapped victim.

Thanks to their extensive training and teamwork, Engine 3 was able to extinguish the fire and ensure there were no additional victims. The patient was transported by MetroAtlanta Ambulance for further treatment and had a successful outcome.

Engine 3’s outstanding display of courage and quick thinking in the face of a critical incident reflects the highest standards of the fire service.

The 2024 Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon was sponsored by Marquee Sponsor, Superior Plumbing and Superior Plumbing Cooling & Heating; Platinum Sponsors, Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service; Award Sponsor LoRusso Law Firm; Gold Sponsors Barrow Wrecker Service, Chattahoochee Technical College, Genuine Parts Company, and Marietta Wrecker; and Appreciation Week Sponsor, Verizon. For a complete list of sponsors, visit https://tinyurl.com/2v3zsvuu.

About the Cobb Chamber

The Cobb Chamber, incorporated as the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business organization in the county.

Sharon Mason is the Cobb Chamber’s president and CEO, Dana Johnson is its Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Plant of the Atlanta Braves organization is its chairman of the board of directors.

The Cobb Chamber’s projects include Cobb Executive Women, Cobb Young Professionals, and the Area Councils: Cumberland, East Cobb, Marietta, Northwest Cobb (Acworth, Kennesaw, West Cobb), Smyrna, and South Cobb.

On its website, the Cobb Chamber promotes itself as follows:

As one of the most influential business advocacy organizations in Georgia and one of the top three chambers in the nation, the Cobb Chamber is dedicated to bringing the community and its leaders together to create jobs and strengthen the economy and quality of life so businesses and the community can achieve more.

Who We Are: We are a community of businesses working together to advance a vibrant economy.

Why We Do It: When businesses thrive, communities flourish.

What We Do (Our Mission): Together, with diverse partnerships, we:

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• Attract, recruit and retain jobs.
  
• Help companies start, grow and prosper.
  
• Advocate and collaborate to enhance our state’s business climate.
  
• Connect members to opportunities, new networks, and resources.
  
• Develop workforce and support education.
  
• Cultivate current and future leaders.