School’s Out, Safety’s In: The Brookhaven Summer Kickoff...

As the school year wraps, we’re spotlighting the people and reminders that matter—from honoring educators and new graduates to keeping teen drivers alert and our community informed. It’s a celebration of growth, with a side of safety.

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:

Hats Off to Our Brookhaven Students!

School’s almost out—and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible students, educators, and families who made this year one to remember.

Finals are (mostly) behind you, projects are turned in, and now it’s time to celebrate the hard work, the growth, and the grit it took to reach the finish line. Whether you’re heading into summer break, preparing for graduation, or planning your next big step—you’ve earned this moment.

To our students: your dedication, your curiosity, and your drive remind us that the future is bright in Brookhaven. To the parents, teachers, and support staff behind the scenes: thank you for your unwavering guidance.

Here’s to a safe, fun, and well-deserved break. You crushed it, Brookhaven.

Ashford Park Elementary Career Day with Officer Hawkins

Community Heroes: To Our Teachers—Thank You for Showing Up, Lifting Up, and Never Giving Up

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the real MVPs of the school year—our teachers.

From first-day jitters to final exams, lesson plans to life lessons, our educators have shown up day after day with patience, passion, and purpose. They’ve been more than instructors—they’ve been mentors, motivators, and difference-makers.

To every teacher in Brookhaven:
Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the extra emails, and the endless encouragement. Thank you for shaping minds and building futures—one student, one class, one challenge at a time.

We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re grateful for the way you continue to show what it means to lead with heart.

Let’s lift up our educators not just this week—but every chance we get.

Traffic Safety Tips: 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. Is On

As we head into summer, it’s not just the temperatures rising—it’s also the risk on our roads. That’s why many law enforcement agencies across Georgia are joining the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. campaign.

H.E.A.T. stands for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic, and it runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day—a time historically marked by increased crashes and fatalities.

During this period, Brookhaven officers will be out in full force looking for:
✔️ Drunk or impaired drivers
✔️ Aggressive speeders
✔️ Distracted drivers (yes, texting counts)
✔️ Anyone putting lives at risk on our roads

This isn’t about writing tickets—it’s about saving lives. So as you hit the road for summer trips, cookouts, and celebrations, slow down, stay focused, and drive responsibly.

Let’s make it a safe summer for everyone.

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

Teen Drivers—Let’s Keep Safety in the Driver’s Seat

Summer break is nearing, and that means more new and young drivers are hitting the road. While it’s an exciting milestone, teen driving also comes with serious responsibility—and risk.

Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens, especially during the summer months. That’s why we’re encouraging families to have real conversations about safety, expectations, and accountability before handing over the keys.

Here are a few non-negotiables for every teen behind the wheel:
 No distractions—phones stay off or out of reach
 Always wear a seatbelt—driver and passengers
 Obey speed limits—especially in neighborhoods and school zones
 Never drive under the influence—zero tolerance
 Know the rules—Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws matter

Parents, your involvement matters. Set boundaries, lead by example, and consider ride-alongs even after your teen gets their license.

Let’s help our youngest drivers develop safe habits early—so they can enjoy the freedom of the road without the risk.

Brookhaven Strong

Growth Looks Good on You

This season isn’t just about the school year ending—it’s about all the growth that happened along the way. From students finishing strong, to teachers pouring into the next generation, to young drivers stepping into new responsibility—you’re all showing up in ways that matter.

Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s finishing a tough year, choosing safety over speed, or simply being present for the people around you.

So here’s your reminder:

You’re growing. You’re learning. You’re becoming.
And Brookhaven is better because of it.

Let’s keep showing up with purpose—summer is just getting started..

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: Does Brookhaven Police Have an Explorer or Cadet Program?

A: Yes! The Brookhaven Police Department proudly offers a Cadet Program designed for young adults ages 14–20 who are interested in law enforcement, leadership, and community service.

The Brookhaven Police Cadet Program gives participants an inside look at the world of policing through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world scenarios. Cadets attend regular meetings, learn about law enforcement procedures, develop leadership and communication skills, and even take part in public events alongside our officers.

Highlights include:
Law enforcement education and skills development
Leadership and team-building activities
Community involvement and service opportunities
Ride-alongs for cadets age 16 and older

It’s an incredible opportunity to explore a future career in public safety while giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

Interested in joining or learning more?
Visit the official program page here: Brookhaven Police Cadet Program

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