Scams, Soccer & Salutes: What Brookhaven’s Talking About...

We’re not just cutting ribbons—we’re cutting through noise. Catch the highlights on leadership, loss, mental health, public safety, and that shiny new soccer field everyone’s about to flood.

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Community Engagement
May 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

Welcome to the Brookhaven Community Pulse. Your weekly guide to staying informed, safe and connected with our community.

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In this week's issue:

Saluting Leadership in Action – Congratulations, Lieutenant Van Alen!

This week, we’re kicking off with a well-deserved celebration. Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Van Alen on completing one of the most prestigious leadership development programs in law enforcement—Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

This nationally recognized program is no small feat. Spanning over 10 intensive weeks, it’s designed for experienced law enforcement leaders who shoulder the responsibilities of decision-making, team development, and operational success. Participants are challenged to refine their leadership approach, think strategically, and prepare to lead agencies through the ever-evolving landscape of modern policing.

Lieutenant Van Alen’s dedication to professional growth reflects not only on his own commitment, but also on the Brookhaven Police Department’s standard of excellence.

We’re proud to have leaders like him representing our department—and building a safer, smarter, and stronger city with every step.

Way to go, Lieutenant!

Community Heroes: Honoring the Fallen During National Police Week

This week, we pay tribute to the bravest among us—those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

As part of National Police Week, members of the Brookhaven Police Department Honor Guard traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in a series of powerful memorial events honoring fallen law enforcement officers from across the nation. From solemn ceremonies to emotional candlelight vigils, this week serves as a poignant reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who gave everything to protect their communities.

Our Community Heroes this week are not only the officers we lost—but also their families, their departments, and every person who continues to carry their legacy forward. Their service will never be forgotten, and their names will forever be etched in our hearts.

To learn more about National Police Week and how you can honor those who serve, visit policeweek.org.

We are proud of our Honor Guard for representing Brookhaven and standing shoulder to shoulder with departments across the country in solemn remembrance and unity.

Brookhaven’s Emergency Management Team – Preparing Today to Protect Tomorrow

Our second Community Hero this week goes to the unsung planners, responders, and protectors behind the scenes—Brookhaven’s Emergency Management Team.

These dedicated professionals work year-round to develop the strategies, plans, and partnerships that help keep our city safe during natural disasters, weather emergencies, and public safety threats. From coordinating with regional partners to creating citywide response protocols, their work ensures Brookhaven is always prepared, informed, and ready to respond.

And here’s the exciting part:
Starting tomorrow, we’re launching our Emergency Management Series on YouTube—a brand-new video resource designed to help residents and business owners prepare before disaster strikes. From inclement weather prep to evacuation basics and home safety tips, this series is packed with practical, potentially life-saving info.

Subscribe and follow us here: Brookhaven PD YouTube Channel

And to our Emergency Management Team—thank you for making sure Brookhaven stays strong through any storm.

Traffic Safety Tips: Witness an Accident? Please Stay.

If you see a car accident happen, your presence could make all the difference.

We ask that you stay at the scene until an officer arrives. When they do, they’ll ask for your name and contact number—just in case they need to follow up later. Your statement as a witness could be critical in helping determine what happened and who may be at fault.

Even if you think someone else saw it too, your perspective might be the one that clears up confusion.

It takes just a few minutes, but it could help someone get the answers—and support—they need.

If you see something, say something. Your call could make all the difference. For emergencies, always dial 911.

Brookhaven Police Department

Community Events

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]

Cops on Donut Shops: Fundraiser for Special Olympics Georgia

📆 Friday, May 30th | ⏰ 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Dunkin' Donuts – 4040 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven

Start your morning with a smile—and a sprinkle of community spirit! Join the Brookhaven Police Department at Dunkin' for Cops on Donut Shops, a sweet event benefiting Special Olympics Georgia.

Our officers will be on site collecting donations, handing out high-fives, and spreading awareness for a great cause. Whether you're grabbing a coffee or just stopping by to support, every dollar makes a difference.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to donate or drop by to contribute in person.

Let’s show our support for Special Olympics athletes and prove that community runs on kindness (and maybe a few donuts too).

Resources and Programs

Resources

  • Brookhaven Alert powered by Smart911 is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Brookhaven to communicate with residents during emergencies.

  • If you are a Brookhaven resident and you leave for home for an extended period of time you can sign up for our Residential Checks.

  • We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our residents and business. One way we do that is by providing free security assessments to our residents and local businesses.

  • If you have a traffic complaint, we are here to listen.

  • The City of Brookhaven Offers Brookhaven Connect, a free smart phone app for citizens to report problems like potholes, code violations or sidewalk issues.

Programs

  • The Brookhaven Citizen Police Academy is designed to provide community members with an overview of how their local Police Department works.

  • Citizens on Patrol (COPs) is a community policing program sponsored by the Brookhaven Police Department.

  • The Brookhaven Police Department’s “Operation Plugged In” is a police/community video partnership that operates on a voluntary basis with the homeowners, neighborhoods & business owners who own private video security systems that record public areas such as roads, parking lots and sidewalks.

  • Learn more about our unmanned aerial systems (UAS) unit and view their flight history.

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

Crime Prevention

Scam Alert – Don’t Fall for the Fake Deputy Call

We’ve received multiple reports of an ongoing scam in our area, and we want you—and your loved ones—to stay informed.

Scammers are posing as members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Civil Service Division, claiming that you owe money and must report to an address on Memorial Drive (which is not affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office). Some even go a step further by threatening that if you contact a lawyer, your case will become a criminal matter.

***Let us be clear:

  • This is a scam.

  • No law enforcement agency will demand money over the phone.

  • You will never be threatened for contacting legal counsel.

  • Do not meet anyone at unverified addresses.

If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and report it to the Brookhaven Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Do not give out personal information, and never send money to unknown callers.

Stay alert. Stay smart. And help us spread the word.

Brookhaven Strong

It's Okay to Not Be Okay

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind you of something powerful: You are not alone.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or just not like yourself—it's okay to pause, ask for help, and prioritize your well-being.

Healing isn't linear. Strength isn't silence.
The strongest thing you can do sometimes is to simply say, "I need a minute."

This month, let’s choose compassion—for ourselves and for each other.
Check on your people. Check on yourself. And remember: you matter.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is just a call away.

Engage with Us

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

Q: When does the Soccer Field on the Peachtree Creek Greenway Open?

A: We’re excited to share that the wait is over—the soccer field on the Peachtree Creek Greenway is officially open! 

We held the ribbon cutting ceremony today, and the field is now ready for play. Whether you’re looking for a casual pickup game or just a fun place to kick the ball around with family and friends, this new space is a great addition to the Greenway.

Grab your cleats, bring your team, and come enjoy another beautiful part of Brookhaven!

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

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