Stephens County Sheriff names new training center in honor of local businessman
Sheriff Randy Shirley presents Rick Phillips with a plaque to commemorate the opening of the John R. Phillips Training Center, named in his honor.
The new Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility has been named after Toccoa resident and businessman, Rick Phillips, for his continued generosity to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday, several community members, business leaders, and elected officials gathered outside the training center for a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley told the crowd about Phillips relentless generosity.“Given in honor of John R. Phillips and grateful appreciation for your contributions to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, November 14, 2019, this building is named in your honor, the John R. Phillips Training Center,” he said.
Stephens County Sheriff Colonel Andy Myers spoke about the purpose and future of the training complex.
“Now after four years of hard work, we’re proud to say that that vision has become a reality. The opening of this facility will enable the Sheriff’s Office to properly train and prepare the men and women who serve to meet the needs and expectations of our community, and the expectations of professional law enforcement services…to constantly adapt to changes in our field and expectations that our community does, in fact, deserve the best,” he said.
State Senator John Wilkinson and State Representative Chris Erwin both spoke about how this is another example of what makes Stephens County such a great place to live.
The center is located behind the County Public Works Building, on Scenic Drive, in Toccoa.
The new facility features the all-new Sheriff’s Office indoor live interactive Shooting Simulator and a firing range for real firearms.