Bainbridge Public Safety announces hiring of new new officer recruits

Bainbridge Public Safety is pleased to announce the recent hiring of five Probationary Public Safety Officers. All will be attending the Fire Academy on August 31, followed by the Police Academy. Upon graduation from both academies, the men will be installed as new officers serving dual roles as Firefighters and Police Officers with Bainbridge Public Safety.

Leroy Akins is a 2006 graduate of Bainbridge High School where he was a Running Back for the Bearcat Football Team and a star on the track team. Akins works part-time at Home Depot and stated, “I want to work with Bainbridge Public Safety so I can interact with the community and serve as a positive role-model for kids.”

Jim Copp is originally from the Chicago, Illinois area and moved to Blakely to be closer to family. Copp served eight years in fire service before relocating to Georgia, and desires to continue his career as a full-time officer with Bainbridge Public Safety. Copp is married and has two children.

George McMillan is a 2002 graduate of Bainbridge High School and worked with the Grady County Sheriff’s Department from 2002 to 2003. From 2003 to 2015 he worked at the Decatur County Correctional Institute and was made Lieutenant in 2012. McMillan has a four year old son, and saw joining Bainbridge Public Safety as a way to further his career in law enforcement.

Jason Hayes is a 2002 graduate of Bainbridge High School and was previously employed by Pepsi Bottling Company. Hayes will be employed full-time at Bainbridge Public Safety. “It has always been my goal to work as a firefighter and law enforcement officer, and now that dream is coming true” stated Hayes. Hayes is married and has two children.

Chris Jackson is a 2009 graduate of Bainbridge High School where he played as a Midfielder and Defender for the Bearcat Soccer Team. Jackson is employed part-time at Memorial Hospital & Manor and stated, “Now is a good time to join Bainbridge Public Safety as an African American where I will have the opportunity to relate to the community. I am married and want to do my part to make Bainbridge a safe place to raise a family.”