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:
Together we are Better
In a world that often moves too fast, presence is a gift. And not just physical presence but the kind of presence that listens, protects, shows up, and stays engaged. At the Brookhaven Police Department, we believe that trust isn’t built behind desks or dashboards. It’s built in the parks, at the coffee tables, during town halls, and in those everyday moments when officers and community members connect.
This week, we’re leaning into the power of presence, highlighting how showing up (on purpose and with purpose) changes everything. Whether we’re at your school, business, or neighborhood block party, we want you to know: we’re here, we see you, and we care.
Let’s build a safer, more connected Brookhaven…together.
A Street Named with Purpose: Honoring Chief Emeritus Gary Yandura
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the entrance to the Brookhaven Public Safety Building was officially dedicated in honor of Chief Emeritus Gary Yandura, the founding Chief of the Brookhaven Police Department.
Chief Yandura was more than a leader behind a badge; he was a visionary who laid the foundation for a department built on service, integrity, and community connection. From the department’s inception, he understood that real policing goes far beyond enforcement…it’s about trust, visibility, and showing up with consistency and compassion.
Naming this street after him isn’t just about the past, it’s about carrying his legacy forward. It’s a daily reminder that presence matters, leadership matters, and community-driven policing is not just a strategy, it’s a standard.
To Chief Yandura: thank you for your unwavering presence and the path you paved. Your leadership will forever be part of our journey.
If you missed the Yandura Way dedication, take a look at the video below.
Community Heroes: Dream Teens Community Foundation
At Brookhaven Police Department, we believe that empowering youth is one of the most impactful ways to build lasting trust and strong communities. That’s why we’re proud to highlight Dream Teens Community Foundation as this issue’s Community Hero.
We had the opportunity to partner with Dream Teens during our National Night Out event—and their energy, leadership, and commitment to youth development were undeniable. Dream Teens is more than just a foundation—it’s a movement that’s equipping the next generation with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to dream boldly and lead with purpose.
We’re excited to build on this partnership and look forward to collaborating again in the future.
🔗 Learn more about their powerful mission at dreamteenscf.org
Student Corner: See Something, Say Something
Every student has the power to make a difference. Whether you’re in class, walking the halls, or scrolling online, your awareness and voice are valuable tools in helping protect your school and your peers.
When something feels off, it probably is. Maybe it's a post on social media that seems threatening, a conversation you overheard that doesn't sit right, or a student who seems unusually withdrawn or upset. Trust your instincts. Your concern could be the very thing that prevents harm or starts a necessary conversation.
It’s important to speak up. Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, teacher, or School Resource Officer. If it feels urgent or serious, do not hesitate to report it immediately. Silence protects the wrong things. Communication saves lives.
And while it might feel easier to text a friend or share rumors, that doesn’t create safety. Facts do. Your courage to report something directly to someone who can help is what builds a stronger and safer community.
At the Brookhaven Police Department, we want you to know that your voice matters. You are not just a student passing through. You are a part of what makes your community safe, informed, and connected.
If you see something, say something. We are here to listen, respond, and support you every step of the way.
Traffic Safety Tips: Move Over, It’s the Law
Every year, thousands of crashes occur along the shoulders of roads across the country, many involving emergency responders who are trying to help others. These crashes are preventable.
Whether it’s a fire truck, ambulance, police cruiser, tow truck, or even a stalled vehicle, you are required by law to move over if it’s safe to do so. This simple action creates a buffer zone of safety for those who are working or stopped on the side of the road.
If you see flashing lights or a stopped vehicle on the shoulder:
Slow down.
Move over one lane when safe to do so.
If you can’t safely change lanes, reduce your speed significantly as you pass.
Georgia’s Move Over Law is designed to save lives. And many states now extend this law to include all stopped vehicles, not just emergency or service vehicles.
This is not just about avoiding a citation, it’s about protecting the lives of first responders, utility workers, and fellow drivers. When we all do our part, we help keep our roads safer for everyone.
📌 Let’s work together. Help first responders help YOU and always move over.
If you see something, say something. Your call could make all the difference. For emergencies, always dial 911.
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]
District 4 Town Hall Meeting
📍 Brookhaven City Centre
4001 Peachtree Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💻 Join Online
Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tempore John Funny invites all residents to attend the District 4 Town Hall Meeting to discuss important community updates and projects.
Topics to be addressed include:
Brookhaven International Festival and 5K
Peachtree Creek Greenway Phase II
Peachtree Creek Greenway Phase III
Additional city briefings and updates
This is a great opportunity to learn what’s ahead for our city, ask questions, and connect directly with your local government.
Peachtree Creek Greenway Run/Walk Club
📍 Meet at Briarwood Road Trailhead
1793 Briarwood Road NE
📅 Every Wednesday, starting September 24
🕕 6:00 PM
Lace up and hit the trail! The Peachtree Creek Greenway Run/Walk Club is open to all fitness levels. Participants can run or walk up to 3 miles at their own pace.
Whether you’re looking to stay fit, make new friends, or just enjoy the beautiful Greenway, this is a great way to stay active and connect with your neighbors. All are welcome!
Storytime at Brookhaven City Centre
📍 Brookhaven City Centre (The City’s Living Room)
📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Families, mark your calendars!
The City’s Public Engagement Specialist alongside the DeKalb County Public Library Brookhaven Branch and the Brookhaven Police Department's Community Engagement Unit, invites you to a special morning of storytelling and community connection.
Join us for Storytime at the City Centre, a fun-filled event perfect for young readers and their families. Come enjoy a cozy, interactive story session in the heart of Brookhaven.
Mondays with Madeleine: District 3 Town Hall
📍 Brookhaven City Centre | 4001 Peachtree Road NE
📅 Monday, October 6, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
District 3 residents, here’s your chance to connect directly with your Councilmember.
Join Councilmember Madeleine Simmons for her next Mondays With Madeleine town hall, an in-person gathering focused on community updates, public safety, and open conversation. This session will also include timely holiday safety tips from Brookhaven Police Department’s Sgt. Carlai Moore.
This town hall marks Councilmember Simmons' first official in-person meeting at the newly opened Brookhaven City Centre. Come be a part of it and see what the new space has to offer.
Building Bridges Between Law Enforcement and the Communities We Serve
We’re excited to announce that Faith & Blue Weekend is just around the corner!
📍 Location: TBD
📅 Date: October 10–13, 2025
⏰ Time: Events and times to be announced
Faith & Blue is a powerful national initiative that brings together law enforcement and local faith-based organizations for a weekend of community, conversation, and collaboration. It’s about building trust through shared values and meaningful dialogue.
This year’s theme: Stronger Together
More details coming soon—stay tuned!
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 and Community Watch: Help Us Help You Reclaim Stolen Property
When theft occurs, criminals are often looking for quick cash and pawn shops are a common destination for stolen items. Unfortunately, many electronics and valuables look the same on the surface, making it difficult to prove ownership without proper identification.
Here’s what you can do:
🔹 Document Serial Numbers: The model number isn’t enough. Serial numbers are unique to your item and serve as the best way to prove ownership.
🔹 No Serial Number? Engrave One: If your property doesn’t come with a serial number, engrave your own unique identifier in an inconspicuous spot.
🔹 Use Your Phone: The easiest way to keep a record? Snap a clear photo of both the model and serial number. Keep it in your phone or cloud storage in case you ever need it.
Taking this one step can mean the difference between losing your items forever or helping us both return your property and prosecute the person responsible.
Brookhaven Strong
Presence Is Power
Presence isn’t just about being there. It’s about showing up with purpose.
When neighbors check on one another, that’s presence.
When businesses step in to support our kids, that’s presence.
When officers respond with compassion, when students speak up, when you report something that doesn’t feel right, that’s presence.
And presence has power.
In a world that often feels rushed, reactive, and disconnected, Brookhaven is choosing to slow down, show up, and be present for each other, for safety, for community.
That’s how we stay Brookhaven Strong.
Not just in name. In action.
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: Can I report a non-emergency incident without calling 911 or coming to the station?
A: Yes. The Brookhaven Police Department now offers online reporting services for non-urgent incidents like theft, vandalism, lost property, and more.
Simply visit: brookhavenga.gov/police/page/online-reporting-services
Q: Is there a way to stay informed about what’s happening in my neighborhood?
A: Yes! Through our Police-to-Citizen (P2C) portal, you can:
View recent police reports filed in your area
Search for incidents by type or location
Submit tips directly to our department
Stay up-to-date with community safety data
Explore the portal here.
We have improved our online services and we can’t wait for you to see what we have to offer.
Let’s build trust, one question at a time.
Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!