CCSO Newsroom

April 14, 2025

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Community Briefing on Public Safety Initiatives, KultureCity Recognition, Citizen’s Academy Gradation and more.

Cobb County Sheriff's Office recognized as the first sheriff’s office in the state to become KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ certified

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Dan Vasquenza, Chief of Staff David Jones

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Community Briefing on Public Safety Initiatives, KultureCity Recognition, Citizen’s Academy Gradation and more.

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) held its first Community Briefing of the year on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the historic Strand Theatre in Marietta. This event served as a platform for Sheriff Craig Owens and his command staff to engage with Cobb County residents, provide updates on public safety initiatives, and recognize significant achievements within the agency.

Promotional Ceremony & Reception

The evening began with a promotional ceremony, where newly promoted personnel were officially pinned in recognition of their accomplishments. The following individuals were promoted:

Rachel Gondek - Promoted to Sergeant
Christopher Payne - Promoted to Sergeant
Jason Pearson - Promoted to Major

Attendees then enjoyed a reception catered by Dave Poe’s Barbeque, which provided an opportunity for networking and fellowship between community members and law enforcement personnel.

Community Briefing Highlights

The formal briefing started with an opening prayer, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Attendees then joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Key moments from the briefing included:

Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr. presented an overview of recent agency achievements and upcoming initiatives, including the renovation of the Public Safety Building, the development of a new firing range, and the introduction of the Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program aimed at engaging young individuals interested in law enforcement careers.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office was officially recognized by KultureCity for completing its sensory training certification. This milestone enhances the agency's ability to assist individuals with sensory needs, such as those with autism, dementia, Alzheimer's, brain injury, etc. Through this initiative, the Sheriff's Office will now have access to sensory bags equipped with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, visual cue cards, and weighted lap pads to improve interactions with community members in need. The recognition was presented by Dan Vasquenza, activist and partnership lead at KultureCity.
NSA Awards Presentation: Lt. Col. Peralta presented three deputies and one sergeant with a special recognition from the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) for outstanding leadership and contributions to public safety:

Deputy Garcia, Deputy Granger, and Sgt. Newell received the Merit of Valor award.
Deputy Watts received the Medal of Merit award.

Citizens Academy Recognition: Major Brown highlighted the impact of the CCSO Citizens Academy, a program designed to educate the public about law enforcement operations. The event celebrated 37 graduates, with Sheriff Owens, Chief of Staff David Jones, Assistant Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins, and Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson personally presenting certificates to each graduate.

Special Operations Showcase

Following the community briefing, attendees were invited to an interactive Special Operations Showcase in the Grand Jury parking lot. This portion of the event featured static displays and live demonstrations, allowing the public to engage with specialized units, including:

Mounted Patrol
K-9 Demonstrations
Drone Unit & Drone Vehicles
Motor Unit & SWAT Display

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all attendees, community partners, and the KultureCity organization for making this event a success.

Social Media Engagement:

Find the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office online:

Instagram | Facebook | X: @cobbsheriff
YouTube: @CobbCountySheriffsOffice

Download the Cobb County Sheriff's Office App

Photo Credit: The Cobb County Sheriff Office

For more information on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.cobbsheriff.org

For more pictures of the April 1, 2025, Community Briefing, use the link below:

Photos

:: Courtesy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office::

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy class members receive their graduation certificates during the April 2025 Community Briefing.

The National Sheriffs’ Association presents three Cobb County deputies with the Medal of Valor during the April 2025 Community Briefing.

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Deputy Ryan Garcia, Deputy Jonathan Granger, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Staff David Jones and Flynn Broady (legal counsel).

The National Sheriffs’ Association presents a Cobb County deputy with the Medal of Merit during the April 2025 Community Briefing.

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Deputy Diane Watts, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Staff David Jones and Flynn Broady (legal counsel).

Newly promoted Major Pearson poses for a photo with his wife and executive command staff at the pinning ceremony before the April 2025 Community Briefing.

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Mrs. Pearson (wife), Major Jason Pearson, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Staff David Jones and Flynn Broady (legal counsel).

Newly promoted Sgt. Gondek poses for a photo with her son and executive command staff at the pinning ceremony before the April 2025 Community Briefing.

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sgt. Godnek’s son, Sgt. Rachel Gondek Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Staff David Jones and Flynn Broady (legal counsel).

Newly promoted Sgt. Payne poses for a photo with her father and executive command staff at the pinning ceremony before the April 2025 Community Briefing.

Pictured left to right: Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sgt. Payne’s dad, Sgt. Christopher Payne, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Asst. Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins, Chief of Staff David Jones and Flynn Broady (legal counsel).

Attendees and Citizens Academy graduates explore the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division during an interactive show and tell at the April 2025 Community Briefing.