Johns Creek Public Safety Foundation Awarded $7,800 Grant

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The Johns Creek Public Safety Foundation has been awarded a $7,800 grant to fund the purchase of three, fully equipped police bicycle and car racks for the Johns Creek Police Department. The grant was awarded by the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation, the city said.

At over 190 acres, the proposed construction of the Cauley Creek/Quail Hollow Park will become one of the largest parks in metro Atlanta. With this in mind, Johns Creek notes bicycles will be an important need for the Police Department's ability to patrol the park in a more effective manner.

“We greatly appreciate this much-needed and generous grant from the Sawnee Foundation,” said Councilman Steve Broadbent, who also serves as the chairman of the Johns Creek Public Safety Foundation. “Their contribution to public safety speaks volumes about their commitment to the welfare of our residents.”

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Park bicycle patrols are easily integrated into other more traditional police operations and initiatives. Targeted enforcement, surveillance, and traffic enforcement are just a few ways in which bike officers can be deployed in a park. The police officer’s patrol vehicles will also be equipped with bike racks for easy transport of the new bicycles, and rapid response within the park system.

“Community donations, such as this, are made possible by the generous Sawnee EMC members who voluntarily make the decision to round their electric bill up to the next highest dollar. This extra change goes directly into the Foundation, and is then gifted back into the communities we serve,” said Blake House, vice president of Member Services at Sawnee EMC. “Commitment to community is one of the cornerstones of this cooperative and the Sawnee Foundation gives us the perfect conduit to lend a hand when there is a need.”

The Johns Creek Public Safety Foundation was established in 2008 to help Johns Creek firefighters and police officers injured in the line of duty, or to assist their families if they are killed in the line of duty. The Public Safety Foundation also works with neighborhood residents, businesses and corporate partners to provide funding and resources for programs and services that benefit the public safety department in other areas such as community policing, safety, and education.

The mission of the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation is to assist in strengthening the communities served by Sawnee EMC. The Foundation will accomplish this mission by providing financial assistance to selected charitable organizations through the Foundation’s Operation Round Up program. This program affords SEMC members the opportunity to “round up” their energy bills to the next highest dollar. These funds, along with monies from other organizations, allow donations to students, schools and various 501 (c)(3) and 501 (c)(4) organizations.

Photo: back row from left to right, are City Council members Stephanie Endres, Jay Lin, Chris Coughlin, John Bradberry, Mayor Mike Bodker and Councilman Lenny Zaprowski. Front row, from left to right are Police Chief Ed Densmore, Cindy Badgett of Sawnee EMC and Councilman Steve Broadbent. Credit: city of Johns Creek