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Lucas C. Allison

Dispatch Correspondent

The Second Annual Rochelle Police Department Officer Appreciation Banquet was recently held.  Chief Jimmy Banks welcomed all to the event and thanked them for attending.  He stated the Preslee Jackson family was scheduled to attend but they were dealing with personal family matters and could not.  Mayor Wayne McGuinty then opened with prayer and blessed the meal which was provided by Mrs. Michelle Ferguson.

Following the meal Chief Banks began the awards portion of the program.  He stated Officer Joel Quinn who was Officer of the Year was not present due to a death in his family. Officer Quinn received the honor for his professionalism shown during a recent incident involving a missing juvenile in Rochelle. His quick actions and following protocol and notification of other departments and staff resulted in the juvenile being found unharmed.  Chief Banks stated that all his officers deserved the designation of Officer of the Year, and he recognized them all for their specific reasons.  Officer Michael Buchanan who recently was awarded the Cardiac Save Award by the Region Five Central Georgia EMS Advisory Council for his fast response and actions taken of CPR to a local resident whose heart had stopped, the man’s life was saved due to the actions of Officer Buchanan. Mrs. Jennifer Futch of Wilcox EMS had nominated him or the award.  Chief Banks stated he was thankful for the well-trained officers serving the Rochelle citizens. Officer Missy Eno, she serves as K-9 officer, Clerk. Officer Randy McGlothin, he recovered more drugs and guns than any officer.  Officer Sheldon Adams who is the leader on our Crime Reduction and Safer Highways.  Chief Banks also introduced a new officer who would be starting January 13, 2025, as Detective Officer Ronald Huckabee.

Chief Banks then spoke about the Presslee Jackson award which is named the Purple Award.  The Jackson family bestowed upon us the honor of remembering their precious daughter Preslee. Preslee was a radiant young lady who lit the path of all who came in contact with her.  Purple was her favorite color, hence the name, the Purple Award.  Preslee was embodied with a willingness to help others; she had a loving and caring personality, and she was always smiling and happy.  This award is in memory of Preslee, but I think it should also honor the family. Because of all the incredible love and generosity shown by Kelli, Nic, and Slade.  Preslee had a rare brain aneurism six other lives received organs from Preslee after her passing and a result, two people were able to see and enjoy the Christmas lights this year looking through Preslee’s corneas.  He stated in a hospital tonight somewhere a patient is being cared for by a 52-year-old nurse who is able to work because she has Preslee’s right kidney.  Somewhere a 54-year-old man is having dinner with his family instead of sitting in dialysis because he received Preslee’s left kidney.  An 11-year-old boy who was critically ill is able to play in the snow because he received Preslee’s liver and other organs, and a five-year old girl celebrated the new year with Preslee’s heart beating in her chest.

We will never know who alive tonight might  be because one of these officers got a drunk driver off the road or who wasn’t killed or injured because they intervened in a domestic dispute.  What house wasn’t broken into because they were present on patrol.  They are out there 24-7, 365-days a year protecting us and I appreciate them more than they know. Chief Banks thanked Mrs. Fontella Benjamin who works in the Rochelle Clerks office for handling the nomination and counting of ballots for the winner of the Purple Award. The citizens of Rochelle were able to vote on the award in the last two weeks of November with voting ending on December 4^th.  Mayor McGunity then took over ceremonies. He stated tonight he was proud to be able to present the first Purple Award to the Rochelle Police officer who most embodies Preslee’s positive, caring characteristics as voted on by the citizens.  The first recipient is Chief Jimmy Banks.  Chief Banks was surely shocked to be the recipient.  He accepted the award with great gratitude.  Chief Banks stated he gives God all the glory.  He stated this is the best award he has every received and he wanted to thank his officers and the citizens for the award.  He stated  Preslee was a wonderful special child.  He thanked the mayor and council members for their support and recognizing his officers.   Next Officers Eno, Adams, Buchanan and McGlothin presented a special award of appreciation to Chief Banks for his leadership and professional