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As we move into this season of reflection, we want to take a moment to slow down and acknowledge what we are thankful for in Brookhaven. Every day, our city is shaped by the people who live here, work here, and serve here. From the officers on patrol, to the neighbors who check in on one another, to the businesses that open their doors and lend a helping hand, Brookhaven is built on small acts of care that make a big difference.

This year has brought challenges, but it has also revealed the strength of our community. We have seen teamwork, generosity, resilience, and moments where people showed up simply because it was the right thing to do. Those moments matter. They remind us that safety and connection do not come from one person or one department. They come from all of us choosing to look out for each other.

In this issue, we want to highlight the people and partnerships that make Brookhaven stronger, celebrate the good, and pause long enough to appreciate the community we are part of. Thank you for being a city that continues to care, continues to show up, and continues to move forward together.

– Brookhaven Police Department

This week, we have something special to celebrate. Our team continues to grow, and we are proud to welcome our newest officer, Officer D. McCrary, who was officially sworn in today as a member of the Brookhaven Police Department.

Officer McCrary comes to us from Emory, bringing a strong foundation of service, professionalism, and care for the community. Moments like this remind us how important it is to have dedicated individuals who are willing to step forward and serve. Each new officer adds strength to our team and helps us continue the work of keeping Brookhaven safe, connected, and supported.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Officer McCrary as he begins this new journey. Welcome to Brookhaven, Officer McCrary. We are honored to have you on our team, and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in our community.

We are shining the spotlight on two incredible senior groups who remind us what community really looks like.

First, we welcomed the senior citizens from Ashford Parkside for a tour of the Brookhaven City Center. Their excitement, curiosity, and appreciation made the entire experience special. They enjoyed it so much that they are still talking about it, and their energy brought life into every corner of the building.

Next, we had the opportunity to join the seniors at the Latin American Association for their senior day celebration. From conversations to laughter to a lively game of bingo, it was a day filled with warmth and connection. These moments matter. They create opportunities to build trust, offer safety education, and most importantly, show our seniors that they are supported, valued, and never alone.

The Brookhaven Police Department is committed to being more than a police force. We are part of this community. We show up to build relationships, to share joy, and to remind every resident that their well-being is important to us.

Thank you to both senior groups for inviting us in. We look forward to many more days of learning, laughing, and connecting together.

We celebrate a milestone that goes far beyond certification. It marks progress, representation, and a powerful step forward for women in law enforcement.

We are proud to honor Officer Garrett and K9 Max, our newest certified K-9 team. After countless hours of training, early mornings, late nights, and relentless commitment, this pair has officially graduated from K-9 school and joined the Brookhaven K-9 Unit.

But what makes this moment historic is this:

Officer Garrett is the first female K-9 officer in the history of the Brookhaven Police Department.

Her achievement is a testament to courage, grit, and the breaking of barriers. She represents every woman who shows up, leads, and pushes through challenges in a profession where representation still matters. We could not be more proud to have her blazing this trail.

"I’m honored to serve this community in a new way. Being the first female K-9 officer means a lot, but what matters most is the work Max and I get to do every day, protecting people, building trust, and showing young women that there is no space they don’t belong in. I’m grateful for the support, the training, and the chance to make a difference."

Her humility says everything. Her commitment says even more.

We also want to recognize the entire K-9 Unit, who successfully completed their annual recertifications. Their work is demanding. Their training is nonstop. Tracking, detection, scenario drills, weekly skill development, this unit puts in effort that most never see but everyone benefits from.

Their commitment keeps our community safe. Their discipline sets the tone. Their teamwork is the reason this unit thrives.

Please join us in celebrating:
• Officer Garrett & K9 Max — newly certified K-9 team
• All members of the K-9 Unit — successfully recertified and ready to serve

Brookhaven, our K-9 officers and their partners show up every day with heart, discipline, and a willingness to take on some of our toughest assignments. Today, we honor their work and this historic, inspiring achievement.

We are only a few days away from one of our favorite traditions in Brookhaven, Shop With a Badge. This event gives children in need a chance to shop alongside our officers, choose gifts they’re excited about, and experience a morning filled with connection, encouragement, and holiday joy.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has already contributed to making this day special. If you would still like to donate, there is still time.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a holiday experience these children will remember. Your support allows us to bring joy to families who may be facing challenges this season and reminds them that their community cares.

If donating is something you would like to do, please contact Sgt. Moore at [email protected]. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Together, we can help brighten the holidays for the children who need it most.

Let’s be honest for a moment. If you are under 21, you should not be drinking. Period. We want every Brookhaven student to stay safe, stay focused, and stay on the right track and drinking underage is a fast way to put all of that at risk.

But we also know this: some of our college students will be heading to holiday parties and celebrations. If that is you, then you need to hear this clearly.

If you choose to drink, do not drive.
Not even “just a little,” not “I think I’m fine,” not “it’s only a few minutes away.”

If an officer stops you after you’ve been drinking, the situation can go downhill quickly. The consequences are serious, expensive, and life-changing. And that’s before we even talk about the worst-case scenario…causing a crash that injures someone else or yourself.

There are safe choices available every single time.
Use Uber, Lyft, a designated driver, or a sober friend. Plan ahead before you go out. Make the decision that gets you home, not the one that gets you in trouble.

We care about you, and we want you to enjoy your time with friends and family the right way. Your safety matters. Your decisions matter. Let’s not lose a student to something that can be prevented with one smart choice.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like Brookhaven Police to join one of your events or engagements, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Dates: December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM
Location: Brookhaven City Centre

Santa is returning to Brookhaven for three magical Saturdays, and families are invited to join in the joy and celebration. Bring your children, your cameras, and your holiday spirit for a festive morning filled with cheer.

City Centre Santa offers a welcoming space for children to meet jolly old St. Nicholas, snap photos, and enjoy a holiday moment they’ll remember all season long. While waiting, kids can explore small crafts and visit our Letters to Santa station to write down their wishes for the North Pole.

This event is free to attend and guests will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you are capturing your annual holiday photo or simply stopping by to say hello, Santa’s visit is the perfect way to celebrate the season with your Brookhaven community.

A fun, family-friendly tradition you will not want to miss.

Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Target, 2400 N. Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven

It’s that time of year again, one of our favorite traditions at the Brookhaven Police Department!

Join us for Shop with a Badge as officers, firefighters, and first responders team up with local kids for a morning filled with smiles, laughter, and holiday spirit. Each child is paired with an officer for a special shopping experience at Target — choosing gifts, essentials, and spreading cheer throughout the aisles.

This event isn’t just about shopping, it’s about connection, compassion, and community. It’s an opportunity for our officers to give back and for local children to experience the holidays with hope and joy.

💛 Want to Help?
You can sponsor a child or make a donation to support this event. Every contribution helps bring a little more light to a family’s holiday season.
To get involved, email [email protected] or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Date: Sunday, December 21
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Briarwood Recreation Center | 2235 Briarwood Road, Brookhaven, GA 30329

What to Expect:
• Toys for children of all ages
• Music and entertainment
• Family friendly activities
• Refreshments and holiday fun

Registration:
Registration opens November 21. Families must complete the registration form to receive toys. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up. Space is limited, so register early.

How You Can Help:
Donations, volunteers, and community partnerships are welcome. If you would like to support this event, email [email protected].

Come join us as we celebrate the season and make a difference for families right here in Brookhaven.

Download our Brookhaven Police App to stay in the know while you are on the go.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to help keep our community safe is by registering your home or business cameras with Operation Plugged In. This voluntary program allows residents and business owners to partner with the Brookhaven Police Department by letting us know where security cameras are located throughout the city.

Here is what this program does not do:
It does not give us direct access to your cameras.
It does not allow us to monitor your property.

Here is what it does do:
It helps officers quickly identify cameras in an area when a crime occurs, so we can reach out to the owner and request footage that may assist an investigation. These partnerships save time, solve cases faster, and help prevent future crimes.

We have seen firsthand how valuable video footage can be in identifying suspects, locating missing persons, and protecting neighborhoods. And with winter holidays approaching —when package thefts, car break-ins, and other crimes tend to rise — your participation matters more than ever.

Signing up is free, easy, and takes only a few minutes.
Learn more and register here:
https://www.brookhavenga.gov/481/Operation-Plugged-In

Brookhaven, we are better when we work together.
Help us keep our community safe by adding your camera to the network.

As the year winds down, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the holidays, the long to-do lists, or the challenges that show up when we least expect them. But even in the middle of all of that, there is always something to be thankful for.

Thankful for the neighbor who waves every morning.
Thankful for the officers who show up, no matter the weather.
Thankful for the seniors who remind us how meaningful connection really is.
Thankful for the students who continue to learn and grow.
Thankful for the community partnerships that make our city stronger.
Thankful for every resident who chooses kindness, patience, and responsibility.

Gratitude is not about ignoring what is hard. It is about noticing what is good — and Brookhaven has so much good to notice.

As we move through this season, take a moment to look around and appreciate the people, the moments, and the small everyday blessings that make our community feel like home. When we choose gratitude, we also choose connection, and connection is where safety and trust truly begin.

Thank you, Brookhaven, for being a community worth celebrating every single day.

Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
This section answers questions submitted by our community. Here’s one we received recently:

Q: If I register my home or business cameras with Operation Plugged In, does the police department get access to my live video feed?

A: No. Registering your cameras does not give the police department access to view your footage, monitor your cameras, or connect to your system in any way. Operation Plugged In simply lets us know where cameras are located throughout the city.

If a crime occurs near your property, an officer may reach out to ask if you are willing to share footage that could help the investigation. That’s it. The choice is always yours, and your privacy remains fully protected.

This program strengthens community safety because it helps us solve cases faster and identify suspects sooner. The more cameras registered, the more connected and protected our neighborhoods become.

Brookhaven, safety is a shared effort. Thank you for stepping up and partnering with us.

Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!