Three Lavonia Police Officers Receive Special Recognition on Capitol Hill

Three Lavonia Police officers receive special recognition on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) took to the House floor on Thursday morning to thank three officers of the Lavonia Police Department .
Lavonia Police Officers Harold McCroskey, Brandon Brown, and Black Andrews.
All three were named as Officers of the Year by Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle in 2014.
Collins, whose father was a Georgia State Trooper, said the officers are selfless public servants who have committed their lives to save ours.
“The Lavonia Police Department named Officers McCroskey, Andrews and Brown their 2014 Officers of the Year. Our corner of northeast Georgia is safe and peaceful, in part, to the service of these three brave officers. On behalf of my family, Franklin County, and the 9th Congressional District of Georgia, I offer them my gratitude and respect.”
But the Congressman didn’t stop there.
He also recognized the entire department for their work in the community over and above law enforcement.
“The entire department deserves recognition in Congress because Chief Bruce Carlisle and his squad are fine, patriotic Americans. Not only do they keep their local community safe, but they give to charity. This month they started a scholarship in honor of their friend, Deputy Stephen LaCruz , who died in pursuit of a traffic violator. As the son of a Georgia State Trooper, I am honored by their sacrifice, inspired by their courage, and remain committed to working on their behalf here in Congress.”
Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle said he was not expecting the recognition of his officers on the House floor, but said he is grateful and honored.
“It’s just an honor for such a fine man to represent us, to start with. It’s indicative of the way he does business that he would take time out a busy schedule to recognize the efforts of us here in northeast Georgia that do work day in and day out. A lot of times, without the recognition these guys, with all the things going on now, they have a very difficult job. I am so appreciative that Congressman Collins did take time out of his busy schedule to recognize these guys and the department as a whole for the things that we do.”
Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens agrees.
Owens said Lavonia has an outstanding Police Department.
“Well, you know, I think they’ve got a reason to be excited. That’s great that Doug Collins did what he did. You know, our police department does do a good job, and I appreciate it, and I think everyone in Lavonia does. A lot of times they don’t get praise for what they do, and I think it Is wonderful that Doug did what he did.”
Currently, the Lavonia Police Department is raising money to offer a $5,000 scholarship to Franklin County High School seniors in memory of Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy Steven LaCruz Thomas, the son of Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas.
Officer Cruz Thomas was killed last May on I-85 while in pursuit of a traffic violator.