Dalton Police Department Welcomes New Officer Zach Simpson

Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Officer Zach Simpson has his badge pinned on by his wife, Jessica
Officer Zach Simpson has his badge pinned on by his wife, Jessica

The Dalton Police Department presented its newest officer with his badge on Wednesday morning during a brief ceremony at the Dalton Police Services Center. Officer Zach Simpson is taking part in the agency’s Field Training program and will stand before the Public Safety Commission later this month for his final confirmation.

DPD officers gathered in the Training Room at the Police Services Center for the badge pinning ceremony. Officer Simpson received his badge from Chief Jason Parker and then had it pinned to his uniform by his wife, Jessica.

Officer Simpson is new to the Dalton Police Department but not new to the law enforcement profession. Before joining the DPD, he served a year and a half as an officer with the LaFayette Police Department in LaFayette, Georgia. Officer Simpson has roots in the northwest Georgia area, having graduated from Ringgold High School in 2006. He graduated from the Dalton Regional Police Academy in December 2009 as a pre-service candidate. He is currently continuing his studies at Thomas University.

Officer Simpson shakes hands with Chief Jason Parker after having his badge pinned by his wife Jessica
Officer Simpson shakes hands with Chief Jason Parker after having his badge pinned by his wife Jessica

Weight Limit On Standifer Gap Road Bridge Over Friars Branch Decreased To 6 Tons

The weight limit on the bridge over Friars Branch just west of Woodland Park Baptist Church on Standifer Gap Road has been lowered to six tons for all vehicles. This change is now in effect.    (click for more)

Construction Work Begins On Baggett Road And Boynton Drive In Catoosa County

State and county-funded patching and resurfacing is in progress at various locations in Catoosa County.  Work will begin on Baggett Road between Poplar Springs Road and Boynton Drive on Monday, and continue until Thursday, weather permitting.  Officials with Catoosa County appreciate the patience and cooperation of everyone during this road construction and paving ... (click for more)

Man Stabbed To Death After Argument

A Chattanooga man was stabbed to death after an argument on Friday night. At approximately 11 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a stabbing at 101 E 20 th St. where they found the victim, Alexis Lewis, 51, lying on the walkway with a fatal stab wound to his chest. Detectives located the suspect, William Morris Jr., 66, and found that he and Lewis had an argument earlier ... (click for more)

Baker Says City Withdrawal On Riverbend Security Will Make Pin Costs Rise Next Year

Riverbend Festival Executive Director Chip Baker told the Civitan Club on Friday that the city's decision to no longer provide city police officers inside the festival gates will cost pin prices to go up next year. Mr. Baker said, "I understand the actions that governments have to take, but we'll have to adjust our prices next year. How much, I don't know yet." City officials ... (click for more)

Scandals At Home And Abroad

Since my hip operation and time in recovery, I have tried to set aside things that are insignificant to me and to average Americans. Don't get me wrong here. What these people are doing (Bengahzi) is despicable be they left or right wing, and they have been doing it (both sides) for a long time. But the dirty deeds themselves carry little weight as to what they mean to you or me. ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: The Boy Who Dared To Speak

Jeff Bliss, an 18-year-old who is in the 10th grade because he dropped out of school last year, got kicked out of a Texas classroom a couple of weeks ago. But as he was exiting the room, he launched into the most wonderful rant that has ever been on the art of teaching children. He should know – his mom is a teacher. With his long hair waving almost as much as his arms, the teenager ... (click for more)