POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - APRIL 2004: 

         The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., April 20, 2004, at Claystone Park, Lake Tobesofkee, Macon, Georgia.   Committee members attending included Vice President Keith Moran, Board Member Gary Hill, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, Attorney Frank Childs, Chaplain Rick Lanford and Executive Director Marion Conley.  President Homer Bryson, Board Member Jimmy Jones, and Legislative Chairman Bob Brown were unable to attend.  Visitors included: Donna Holcomb, Bill Poole, Mike Fordham, Garry Moore, Mickey Pearce and Ladies Auxiliary President Mary Poole. 

Vice President Keith Moran called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.   

Chaplain Rick Lanford read Scripture and gave the invocation, 

No official business of the Association could be transacted since there was not a quorum of officers present.  Therefore, the approval of the minutes and financial report from March, 2004 were delayed until the May meeting. 

Chaplain Lanford suggested that we honor the memory of Brother Jimmy Waters at the fall convention.  A suggestion was made to present a shadow box holding the Christian flag and the State flag to the family at this time.  We could also display a picture of Brother Jimmy and Ms. Annette at registration along with a container to allow our delegates to contribute to the Jimmy Waters Scholarship fund in his memory. 

Secretary Conley relayed to the Committee that retired Georgia Southern University Coach Erk Russell could not speak at the convention.  There was a prior engagement already scheduled.  Marion Conley will get in touch with Tonya Welch at the Georgia Sheriff’s Association for a contact number on speaker Brooks Coleman.  In addition, Marion will get a price on speaker Buford P. Fuddwhacker.   Hopefully, by the next meeting the Committee can secure a speaker for Monday afternoon of the convention. 

GBI SAC Mike Fordham was present to further discuss training at the convention.  A tentative schedule of training had been sent to “The Georgia Peace Officer”.  This schedule will be slightly modified to allow another class on “Security and Integrity” to be added.  This will allow convention delegates the option of choosing which class they wish to attend. 

Executive Director Marion Conley reported Ryan Powell with POST had contacted the office about POAG having a wreath at the Memorial Service in Forsyth.  She had authorized Ryan to handle this and expressed the Association’s thanks for being allowed to have this wreath and Ryan attending this matter. 

            Vice President Moran reported Fussell Bonding of Hinesville would again donate a pistol to be given away at the convention. 

            All were reminded to solicit all department supervisors for “Officer of the Year” nominations. 

            Donna Holcomb has volunteered to operate an e-mail mailing list from her home.  Any POAG member who desires to furnish the office their e-mail address may do so.  Marion will furnish this address to Donna who in turn will notify all on the list of any death, announcement etc. that needs to be quickly given our membership.  All should remember, this list would strictly be a voluntary action on the part of the member.  However, if you are not on this list you will not be notified of any deaths etc. until the next issue of “The Georgia Peace Officer”.  The office is unable to perform this task because of the slowness of the internet service in Reidsville. 

            Board Member Gary Hill reported that Dr. Bobby Smith told him he would be delighted to return to our convention in 2005. 

            Ladies Auxiliary President Mary Poole reported the ladies auxiliary could go to the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon for $6 per person.  This excursion is planned for Monday afternoon of the convention.  On Tuesday afternoon, she plans for the ladies to visit Ocmulgee National Monument.  Mickey Pearce volunteered to attempt to arrange transportation for the ladies. Mrs. Poole also asked for $200 with which to purchase gifts for the ladies.  A decision and vote on this had to be tabled until next meeting.  Mrs. Poole plans a regular breakfast for the ladies Monday morning and the ladies will dine with the delegates Tuesday at lunch. 

            Board Member Gary Hill offered two of his canine operators for the convention.  POAG would furnish these two individuals a room.  A schedule could be worked out as to when the demonstrations by these canines would occur. 

            The next meeting was called for Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 10 A. M. at the POAG office in Reidsville.