Athens, Ga. – University of Georgia Police Cpl. Derrick Gregory and Officer James Simmons were recognized for their act of heroism at the 2006 Governor’s Public Safety Awards at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center on Oct. 18.
Gregory and Simons risked their personal safety to enter the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity house on Dec. 3, 2005 to alert the residents of a fire in the building. Because of their actions, all occupants were evacuated safely.
“Georgia is proud to recognize our law enforcement officers and emergency responders for their commitment to Georgia’s public safety,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “These individuals exhibit courage and dedication everyday to keep us safe.”
“I am very pleased with both of these police officers’ actions that day and how they represent the University of Georgia Police Department each and everyday,” said Jimmy Williams, UGA chief of police.
The Governor’s Public Safety Awards Program (GPSA) was initiated in 1998 by former Governor Zell Miller in order to provide an opportunity for the men and women in the public safety family to be recognized for outstanding service to their communities and contributions to their profession.
For more information on the awards, please see http://gpstc.georgia.gov/00/article/0,2086,31062192_31062972_41210159,00.html.
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Note to editors: Photos of Gregory and Simons are available for download at the following links:
Simons – http://ugaphoto.alumni.uga.edu/pickup/officers/22998-014.jpg
Gregory – http://ugaphoto.alumni.uga.edu/pickup/officers/22999-007.jpg
