12 LC 93 1043

Senate Resolution 1066

By: Senators Thompson of the 33rd and Tippins of the 37th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Lieutenant James Freeland for his outstanding and brave services upon the occasion of his retirement; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Lieutenant James Freeland is highly regarded by the citizens of this state and by local government officials as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication to his services to the Powder Springs Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Lt. Freeland was in pursuit of a suspect that had robbed two convenience stores and ran down both the attendants with his car while fleeing on September 14, 2008; and

WHEREAS, eventually, Lt. Freeland caught up with the suspect, a young man high under the influence of narcotics which increased his strength and tolerance for pain, as he was about to rob a third store; and

WHEREAS, after an intense struggle, Lt. Freeland was able to detain and arrest the suspect, but the altercation inflicted serious and permanent damage to Lt. Freeland; and

WHEREAS, Lt. Freeland has undergone three major surgeries to repair the damages inflicted upon him, including facial reconstruction surgery in October of 2008; lower back surgery in February of 2009, which trimmed two herniated discs, fused two vertebra, and repaired one broken vertebra; and neck surgery in June of 2010, which fused four vertebra and resulted in 100 percent disability; and

WHEREAS, Lt. Freeland has exhibited extraordinary devotion to duty, outstanding loyalty, fine leadership, and meticulous attention to detail in all his duties, and his efficient and effective commitment to excellence has been continually recognized by his peers; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments and dedicated public service of this distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Lieutenant James Freeland for his selfless dedication and courageous actions that went above and beyond the call of duty and encourage the Powder Springs City Council to retire his badge and service weapon in his honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Lieutenant James Freeland.