Honor Police Officers for Their Many Years of Service

Honoring Lt. Jim Freeland

I would like an explanation as to how a Powder Springs Police Lieutenant serves our community for almost 25 years, then leaves our community police force after an on the job incident with a criminal without so much as a thank you luncheon.

When a police officer retires or leaves the force, he or she is given a symbol of thanks of a retired badge, a service revolver, a plague, maybe lunch or dinner with the men and women that the officer has worked with and trusted throughout those years of being on the police force.

Recently Jim was told that no, the could not afford a simple show of thanks.

Now this is my personal feelings but didn't we just get that beautiful new police department in the middle of town? And didn't we just get a new police chief from far away in another state and gave the guy a $10,000 moving bonus to come to our community?

I heard that the temp chief was a good man and perfect for the job. I also believe there was over 65 applicants to submit applications to be our local community Police Chief. Was no one qualified in the Cobb County area?

Lt. Jim Freeland has served our community for many years. He was hurt in the arrest of...maybe you'll remember the BP gas station downtown, and the bubblegum bandit. The guy who was arrested was hopped up on drugs. The guy tried to steal gum from the store at the BP.

The owner of the BP tried to stop the guy and the owner wound up broken bones when he who was run over by the thief in the attempt to stop this drug crazed thief.

Lt. Freeland did apprehend the suspect but sustained back and facial injuries. Jim Freeland wound up disabled and unable to do the job he loved and the source of income for his wife, Lois and the four children, Brady Bunch style family they have created in Powder Springs.

Understanding more about Lt. Jim Freeland

He helped to create Powder Springs Police Department‘s first canine unit when he borrowed his wife's pet, a dog that was trained in multiple different types of drug searches. The dogs must be trained in detecting for drugs in cars, houses, buildings in the area.

Jim began the Powder Springs Police mounted horse unit. The horses also must go through rigid, structured training with the officers. The horses are used in crowd control and on the Silver Comet trail where they are used to be ready for action if a need arises.

Jim was very involved in coaching baseball to many of our kids in town. He was a Kiwanis, I'm not sure what a Kiwanis does but if Jim is involved you know it has to be good.

So as the years have passed and the Powder Springs Police Department brings in new officers from the academy's, I think Jim got a pat on the back and a see ya round! No badge, no service revolver, no plaque saying "to a fine officer of the Powder Springs Police Department, many thanks from the people of Powder Springs for your many years of service."

Not even a burger and some fries for getting up and going into work days or night shift when the trouble really begins while your sleeping safely in your beds. This could be about any of our Powder Springs Police Department. They are dedicated men and woman going out there doing their job. Thanks is the least we can say!

Please if you think that Lt. Jim should get a small or even a large farewell for the service he has given to all of us contact Terri Foschini at

foschini@msn.com

Lois his beautiful wife at

powderspringsmom@yahoo.com

Please help us fix this sad farewell by showing your support for our friend Lt. Jim Freeland and the others who come and go after him.

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