Avondale Estates Police Chief To Retire

AVONDALE ESTATES, GA -- Avondale Estates Police Chief Gary Broden plans to retire in June.

A 40-year law enforcement veteran, Broden has spent the last 10 1/2 years of his career as the chief in Avondale.

"The community as a whole, here in Avondale Estates embraces its police department," Broden said in a news release from the city. "The community chooses who it wants to serve and protect them and they have selected a group of officers who provide quality and personalized service."

Broden retired from the Cartersville Police Department after 26 years, working his way up the ranks and ending his career there as police chief.

A 1974 graduate of the Military Police Academy at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Broden served in both the Air Force Reserve and Georgia International Guard in the security/police field.

He graduated from the 139th session of the FBI's national academy.

In the statement, Broden lauded the active role Avondale residents have taken, becoming involved by volunteering with Neighborhood Watch, the Citizen's Police Academy and the Citizens on Patrol program.

"The relationship with our community has been and continues to be far different than many other communities across the nation, especially in recent times," he said.

Said Broden: "I have been privileged to be a small part in the evolution and development of the Avondale Estates Police Department, proving that bigger is not always better. Professionalism is not based upon the size of the agency, but upon the size of the hearts of those who make up the agency. It is my belief that being a law enforcement officer is a calling and a privilege. I cannot think of another community in which I would have wanted to complete my law enforcement career. I appreciate the opportunity I was given."

(Photo courtesy City of Avondale Estates)