Bell Speaks on Recent Ga. Police Shootings

Peace Officers Association of Georgia President and Stephens County Commissioner Dennis Bell is speaking out after two officers were shot and injured in Lavonia this week.

Bell, who is also the Police Chief in the Madison County town of Comer, made his comments not only after the Lavonia incident, but also after a week in which six police officers were shot across the state of Georgia. Two of those officers died.

He said peace officers in Georgia face tremendous risk everyday in a turbulent world, answering a calling to serve and protect all people at all times while placing themselves in harm’s way.

“I would ask everybody out there, if they would, if they see an officer out there, make sure they support them,” said Bell. “Tell them ‘thank you’ or whatever else you can do to show that you support them. Most of all, join me in praying for them every day to keep them safe and sound to where they can go back home.”

Bell went on to say that the law enforcement field is having a problem with recruiting and staffing at every agency level.

“Now more than ever, we need the public to support improving the salaries and conditions these men and women work under to promote the things they need to do their job as safely as possible in a complex and dangerous environment,” said Bell.

As for the shooting in Lavonia, those officers continue to recover from their injuries.

Meanwhile, the suspect, 22-year-old Khari Anthony Dashaun Gordon of Greenville, South Carolina was denied bond Tuesday afternoon by a Franklin County Magistrate Judge.

Gordon’s attorney may attempt to get bond from a Superior Court Judge, but if that is unsuccessful Gordon will remain in custody until his trial.