Canton EOC Advisory

Canton EOC Advisory

Freezing temperatures are forecast for the City of Canton and surrounding areas that may result in icy roads causing hazardous driving conditions. The City of Canton Emergency Operation Center (EOC) strongly encourages all motorists to avoid roadways tonight and particularly early in the morning as bridges and roads may contain icy patches.

Canton EOC reminds motorists they may check the conditions of Georgia’s state and federal highways on the Road Conditions page on GDOT’s website, http://www.dot.ga.gov. The public also may also check GDOT’s Traffic Information and Cameras page, http://www.511ga.org/ for additional information on traffic delays, construction projects and other highway conditions.

Canton EOC is making preparations and mobilizing personnel and resources throughout the night to respond to icy bridge/road conditions. Canton EOC will monitor roadway conditions and will make every attempt to keep them passable.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news for information on weather conditions and frequently check road conditions and travel advisories. To report traffic crashes or other emergencies and stranded motorist, call 911.

If driving becomes necessary, motorists should use caution and remain alert for work zones, highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles. Motorists also are reminded to obey Georgia’s “move over” law.

In addition, please follow the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:

• Avoid travel, if possible, when icy or other extremely hazardous driving conditions develop.
• Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Remember weather and roadway conditions may change quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.
• Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop extremely hazardous “black ice.”
• During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, a charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.
• Have a fully charged cell phone with you and call 911 to report emergencies.

Officers Promoted

On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Officer Lou Louzader and Officer James McPherson were promoted to the rank of Corporal.  After meeting the qualifications and passing a written and role play scenario test, they were interviewed by a panel made from surrounding agencies.

Officer Louzader has been with the agency since December 2002.  Officer James McPherson has been with the agency since May 2013 and has four years prior law enforcement experience.

The Officer's families, friends, colleagues, and city officials were there to celebrate the promotion.  Chief Mark Mitchell presented them with their badges and gave them a framed copy of their “Attention to Orders”.  Both Officer's wives pinned on their new Corporal badges.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Cpl. Lou Louzader, Cpl. James, McPherson, Lt. German Rivas and Lt. Jeff Tucker

Canton Explorers Compete

On Saturday, February 7, 2015, the Canton Police Explores competed in police related activities at Explorer Winterfest in Gatlinburg TN. The competition included over 75 agencies from 12 states.

The Canton Explorers received a 3rd place finish in DUI Traffic Stop, 5th place in Suspicious Death Investigation and a 6th place in the Individual Tactical Fitness Challenge.

“Our Explorers did an amazing job of representing the City of Canton and the Police Department. They trained hard for the past year to prepare the competition and their hard work paid off.” -Officer Pacer Cordry

New Police Officer's

The City of Canton Police Department has hired two new Police Officer's. Officer Allison Gerdes and Paul Johnston were sworn in by Judge Thomas Roach on Friday, January 30, 2015. Both Officer's are graduate's of the Cherokee County Regional Police Academy. They successfully completed 408 hours of police training at the academy.

Officer Gerdes and Officer Johnston will spend the next several months in the departments FTO (Field Training Officer) program. The FTO training program provides a foundation for learning that prepares new Canton Officers for the complexities of policing today and in the future.

Chief Mark Mitchell, Ofc. Gerdes, Lt. Jeff Tucker, Ofc. Johnston & Lt. German Rivas