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

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here.

Service is not just what we do. It is how we show up, how we listen, and how we treat people when it matters most.

Recently, the City of Brookhaven released the results of a community survey that offered insight into how residents view city services, including the police department. The survey was administered by ETC Institute, a national leader in survey research that has conducted hundreds of customer satisfaction surveys for cities across the country. A representative sample of 6,000 Brookhaven residents were chosen at random to participate in the survey.

According to the survey:

Residents also rated the department strongly for visibility in neighborhoods, crime prevention efforts, and engagement with the public.

Whether residents are sharing perceptions from a distance or feedback from direct interactions, the community consistently expresses trust in this department. That trust exists because of the professionalism, dedication, and care shown by every sworn officer and professional staff member who serves Brookhaven.

These results are not about numbers alone. They are about people. They reflect countless moments of service, accountability, and commitment to doing the right thing. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that sees the work, values the effort, and continues to place its trust in us.

– Brookhaven Police Department

This quarter, we are proud to recognize Officer Salazar as the Brookhaven Police Department’s Officer of the 4th Quarter.

Officer Salazar was nominated based on his outstanding performance during the months of October and November 2025, where he consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to both public safety and departmental standards.

During this two-month period alone, Officer Salazar responded to 386 calls for service, completed 29 reports, investigated 15 accidents, issued 77 citations, and made 18 misdemeanor arrests. His work reflects a balance of proactive enforcement and thorough case quality, ensuring that investigations are handled with care and attention to detail

Beyond the numbers, Officer Salazar’s leadership stands out. He took no sick days, received no negative entries, and consistently demonstrated calm judgment in high-risk situations. He also supported fellow officers and new team members, reinforcing a culture of teamwork and accountability on Bravo Shift

Officer Salazar also played a key role in supporting Shift SMART goals, particularly efforts focused on reducing auto crimes and commercial burglaries and increasing DUI enforcement. His high-visibility patrols, directed missions, and six DUI arrests directly contributed to those objectives

Community interaction remains a core part of his service. PowerEngage feedback from residents continued to reflect strong public satisfaction, and Officer Salazar volunteered his time to support the Spanish Citizens Police Academy, where he presented on patrol functions and engaged directly with community member.

Officer Salazar’s performance exemplifies the values of the Brookhaven Police Department. His dedication, professionalism, and service to both his peers and the public make him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Congratulations, Officer Salazar, and thank you for the work you do every day to keep Brookhaven safe.

Our Shop with a Badge event would not have been possible without the incredible partnership of Target.

Through their generous grant support and by opening their doors as our host location, Target helped create a meaningful experience for the children we served. From the moment the doors opened, the space became more than a store. It became a place of connection, joy, and shared purpose.

We were proud to be part of Target’s Heroes and Helpers initiative, standing alongside a partner that truly understands the power of investing in kids and community. Their support allowed our first responders to focus on what mattered most, spending quality time with each child and helping make the holiday season brighter.

To the Target team, thank you for your generosity, hospitality, and commitment to supporting families in Brookhaven. Partnerships like this remind us what is possible when businesses and public safety come together for the greater good.

Our Community Heroes are the 106 children who joined us for our annual Shop with a Badge event.

Each child was given the opportunity to shop alongside first responders, choose gifts, and experience something every child deserves, time, attention, and joy. What made the day special was not just the gifts. It was the conversations in the aisles, the laughter, the shared moments, and the trust built between young people and those sworn to protect them.

Events like this matter. They create memories, break down barriers, and show our youth that law enforcement is made up of people who care deeply about their well-being and their future.

This day would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners who showed up with open hearts and a shared commitment to our kids. A heartfelt thank you to the Brookhaven Police Officers and Professional Staff, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Doraville Police Department, DeKalb Marshal’s Office, Department of Community Supervision, Technical College System of Georgia, Hapeville Police Department, and ChatComm 911 for joining us and helping create such a positive and meaningful experience.

To the children we served, thank you for the smiles, the excitement, and the reminder of why service matters. You are the heart of our community, and it was an honor to spend the day with you.

As temperatures drop, warmth becomes more than a comfort. It becomes a need.

This winter, we are asking our community to help us support students and neighbors who may not have access to warm coats. We currently have students in our city who are facing the colder months without proper outerwear, and members of our unhoused community who are especially vulnerable during winter weather.

If you are able, we welcome new or gently used coats of all sizes. Your donation can make a real difference for someone facing the cold.

Drop-off details will be shared through our department channels, or you can reach out directly to [email protected] to coordinate a donation.

Thank you for looking out for one another. Small acts of kindness like this are what keep Brookhaven strong, connected, and caring throughout the winter season.

Bullying is not just “kids being kids.” It can hurt, isolate, and follow someone long after the moment passes.

Bullying can look like name-calling, spreading rumors, exclusion, threats, or online harassment. Sometimes it happens in hallways or on buses. Other times it happens behind a screen. No matter where it shows up, it matters.

If you are being bullied, know this first: you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Talk to a trusted adult, a parent, teacher, counselor, or school resource officer. Speaking up is not snitching. It is protecting yourself.

If you see someone else being bullied, your choices matter. You do not have to confront the situation directly to help. You can check in with the person later, report what you saw, or make sure an adult knows what is happening. Kindness and courage often look like quiet actions.

And if you realize that your words or actions may be hurting someone, it is never too late to change. Respect, empathy, and accountability are skills you can learn and practice every day.

Brookhaven is strongest when students look out for one another. Choosing respect can change someone’s day and sometimes their life.

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.

Dates: December 20 - January 4, 2026 (Closed on Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1)
Time: 11 AM to 7 PM
Location: Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Rd

“We’re excited to bring an upgraded ice-skating rink with real ice to Brookhaven Park this year,” said Council Member Madeleine Simmons. “It’s the perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy this holiday season.”

Skaters will be able to register online beginning Mon. Dec. 15 for free 45-minute sessions, with a limited number of walk-ups available. A registration form with waiver signed must be submitted for each participant. Skate sizes range from kids size 8 through adult size 14, ensuring options for everyone.

Rudolph’s Rink will serve as the anchor for other Holidays in the ’Haven festivities at Brookhaven Park, including “Santa’s Village” (arts and crafts), “Festive Food Lane” (food trucks and concessions), and “Grinch Games” (family lawn game area). In addition, “Santa Paws” and a mobile vet clinic will also join the Holidays in the ‘Haven festivities on Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Park dog park.

To register for ice-skating time slots and stay updated on all things Holidays in the ‘Haven, visit the Parks and Recreation ice-skating webpage at brookhavenga.gov/ice-skating.

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.

Online shopping and home deliveries are in full swing, and we know many packages are still making their way to Brookhaven homes. With possible shipping delays, deliveries may arrive at unexpected times. Our delivery drivers and postal workers are working hard to get everything delivered safely and on time.

You can help protect your packages by planning ahead:

Package theft is a crime of opportunity. Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping your gifts where they belong.

Our goal is simple. We want the items you order to reach the people you intended, not end up in the hands of a thief. Thank you for taking steps to help keep Brookhaven safe this holiday season.

Service shows up in many forms. Sometimes it wears a uniform. Sometimes it carries groceries. Sometimes it looks like checking on a neighbor or giving when no one is watching.

This season invites us to pause and recognize that community is not built by one group alone. It is built when people choose to care. When they step in. When they notice needs and respond with compassion.

The strength of Brookhaven is not found only in big moments or public events. It is found in everyday acts of service that quietly change lives. A coat donated. A child supported. A family encouraged. A neighbor reminded that they are not alone.

As we move through this season, let service guide us. Let it remind us that what we give matters, and that the impact of kindness often reaches further than we realize.

When we serve one another, we all grow stronger

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

Q: How does the Brookhaven Police Department decide which community events and programs to support?

A: Our focus is always on service, safety, and connection. Programs like Shop with a Badge, senior outreach, student support, coat drives, and community partnerships are designed to meet real needs we see in Brookhaven. Some needs are immediate, like helping kids during the holidays. Others are ongoing, like building trust, preventing crime, and making sure residents feel supported year-round.

We also listen. Feedback from residents, surveys, direct interactions, and community partners all help guide where we show up and how we serve. The goal is not just to respond when something goes wrong, but to invest in people before challenges arise.

Service looks different in every season, but the mission stays the same. To protect, to support, and to build a stronger Brookhaven together.

Please email us at [email protected] if you would like to partner with us.

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