The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 1 P. M., July 19, 2001 in the restaurant of the airport, Albany, Georgia.  Committee members attending included President Bill Hitchens, Vice President Wayne Avery, Board Members Harry Colbert and Homer Bryson, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley,  Legislative Chairman Bob Brown, and Executive Director Marion Conley.  Public Relations Director Jimmy Jones, Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included: Sammy Murphy, Gary Hill, Joyce and Morgan Key, Michelle Halseth, Ken Suddeth, Jim Redmon and Ashley Darley.

President Hitchens called the meeting to order following lunch prepared by Sammy Murphy and welcomed all in attendance.  President Hitchens thanked Sammy Murphy for the wonderful meal he had prepared and served.  

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Hitchens.

A motion was made by Harry Colbert and seconded by Wayne Avery to approve the minutes and financial report from June, 2001.  The motion passed.

District Director Sammy Murphy gave an overview of the brief meeting held at 10 A. M. that morning on the partnership with Miller Brewing  in the responsible and underage drinking campaign.  Since the entire committee for this program has not been finalized, but should be completed within the next couple of months, it was decided to hold a meeting August 13, 2001 at Jekyll Inn prior to the Executive Committee meeting.  A representative from the Georgia State Patrol and also the G. B. I. is being sought for this committee.

President Hitchens reported that our webmaster reported PayPal is being put on POAG’s website but would probably take 4-6 weeks to complete.

A discussion on the convention ensued.  Board Member Homer Bryson volunteered to acquire a refrigerated truck so that the meats etc. for the Monday and Tuesday meals can be kept cold.  Board Member Homer Bryson reported he had received a letter from a member asking about displaying a strategic self defense and grappling performance.  The Committee decided to allow this person a booth to demonstrate these techniques.

The subject of proposed Constitutional amendments arose.  Marion Conley will communicate with Attorney Frank Childs on changing the Constitution so that Associate dues may be more than a voting members’ dues.  Any other proposed changes will have to go before the Resolutions Committee, be approved by that Committee and presented  to the membership in that manner.

The recipients of the “Officer of the Year for Valor and the Officer of the Year for Meritorious Service” were discussed.  Each member of the Committee had been previously given a synopsis of all the nominees.  A motion was made by John Conley and seconded by Harry Colbert to award the “Officer of the Year for Meritorious Service” to Ranger First Class Darrell Watson and Ranger First Class George Tharpe for saving the life of Corporal Leon Tucker.  The motion passed.  A motion was made by Wayne Avery and seconded by Homer Bryson to award the “Officer of the Year for Valor” to Sr. Trooper G. H. Langford.  The motion passed.

Vice President Wayne Avery reported he had developed a contingency plan if we are not successful in getting DEA agent Coleman Ramsey’s lesson plan approved by POST prior to the convention. 

Secretary Conley brought up a book “Just the Facts, Ma’am”, a biography on Jack Webb, of Dragnet fame.  The publisher was offering POAG a chance to sell this book for $17.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling and POAG would retain $8.98.  A motion was made by Homer Bryson, seconded by Bob Brown and passed to accept this offer.  POAG will take orders for the book and do the ordering in order to know how much POAG should receive.

Board Member Harry Colbert is continuing to make plans to dedicate the convention to Brother Jimmy Waters.  He will attempt to have about a twenty minute  program.

Morgan and Joyce Key reported a most successful talk to DeKalb training academy in an attempt to recruit new members.

Gary Hill felt his talk to CSX Railroad Police was a productive encounter.

All were reminded that the August meeting would be at the Jekyll Inn, Jekyll Island, August 13, 2001 at 10 A. M.

A motion was made by Harry Colbert, seconded by Wayne Avery and passed to adjourn.  Accordingly, the meeting was adjourned.