Forsyth Deputy Fired For Showing Up Drunk At Event

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — A Forsyth County Sheriff's Office deputy has been fired and is under investigation after he showed up to a public event intoxicated, reports say.

The now-former Deputy Greg Cannon, 46, of Forsyth County, was at an event on Sept. 11 with members of the department at the First Responder Appreciation Luncheon at Billy Howell Ford commemorating the anniversary of 9/11, 11 Alive reported.

Another employee thought Cannon was intoxicated, so they notified a supervisor, the TV station reported. Cannon was confronted, a statement from the Sheriff's Office said.

“Based upon the initial investigation, the employee, a detective, was immediately placed on administrative leave and taken for an alcohol test by agency supervisors,” the release said. “The Office of Professional Standards began an investigation of the employee’s conduct and upon a review of their Internal Affairs findings, the employee was terminated from the Agency on Sept. 13.”

Cannon was put on administrative leave and an internal affairs investigation was started, 11 Alive said. He was later fired on Sept. 13 from the department he had been an employee of since 2007.

An additional investigation found Cannon violated state law by driving to the event drunk. The department said he was also charged with a DUI for driving a county car to the event while intoxicated, officials said.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office takes a firm stance on misuse of alcohol or any drug by employees, the release said.

“Agency policy clearly prohibits the use of alcohol on duty and sets strong standards of conduct for off duty actions of its employees as well. Citizens of Forsyth County deserve the highest level of professionalism and any employee using alcohol on duty has betrayed that trust and will be held accountable."