JCPD Names ‘Officers of the Quarter’

The Johns Creek Police "Officer of the Quarter" award is given, for the first time, to two officers – Sgt. Dion Smith and Cpl. James Marshall – for their exceptional work during the first quarter of 2011, announced Police Chief Ed Densmore.

Smith, a 16-year law enforcement veteran, and Marshall, a 20-year law enforcement veteran, were selected by their superiors and peers for their outstanding service to the department during the sudden death of their fellow officer, Sgt. Greg Whitaker, in March of this year.

"Both Dion and Jimmy reached out to Greg’s family, handled funeral arrangements, and organized a golf tournament to raise funds to cover his medical expenses – all on top of doing their regular patrol duties,” said Densmore. “Their quick and generous response to help a fellow officer was far and beyond the normal…it was exceptional.”

A native of Cincinnati, Smith joined Johns Creek in 2008 with its inaugural squad. He previously served in uniform patrol and traffic for the Alpharetta Police Department for two years, and the Sunrise, Fla., Police Department for 10 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.

Marshall joined the JCPD in 2008, having already served the Johns Creek community for 17 years as a patrol officer with Fulton County Police. He is a native of Alpharetta.  

Both Smith and Marshall expressed appreciation for their awards.  “We consider it a tremendous honor to be recognized for this.  We only wish it was received under different circumstances,” said Smith.