The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce honored local police on Sept. 17, and the room stood silent to remember two recently fallen Georgia police officers and the victims of the Apalachee High School shooting.
Officer Daniel Villagomez of the Brookhaven Police Department was honored for his “courage, skill, and dedication” with the Chief’s Recognition Award.
Villagomez played a pivotal role in multiple high-stakes situations this year. In April, he apprehended a dangerous offender who had been involved in a series of home invasions and public endangerment, following a high speed pursuit and a foot chase into a densely wooded area. Days later, Villagomez was “instrumental” in capturing a homicide suspect.
“His tactical expertise and quick action not only prevented the suspect’s escape, but also advanced a critical investigation. His work demonstrates not only his courage and skills, but also his dedication to the pursuit of justice and the protection of our community,” Police Chief Brandon Gurley said.
Villagomez is committed to fostering positive relationships within the community, evident through his “Cops on Donut Shops” fundraiser, which collected over $10,000 for Special Olympics athletes, Gurley said.
In attendance were members of the Brookhaven Police Foundation, a volunteer group that raises money for scholarships and tuition, safety equipment, and emergency funds. The group has raised $500,000 since its inception in 2016, said Foundation President JD Clockadale.
The event highlighted BPD’s Operation Plugged In, a public safety program to increase the registration of residential and commercial cameras, allowing first responders to request video access. It’s an effort new to Brookhaven, but happening across metro Atlanta.
“We’re asking businesses to partner with us by registering your cameras,” said Lt. Abrem Aryana. “It will shorten the amount of time it takes for our investigators to bring cases to a resolution.”
Any brand of video management system or camera is compatible and can be registered with BPD. A private citizen or business owner can also request a safety assessment with BPD for advice on where to place a new camera.
The city of Brookhaven has committed to safety by spending on Flock cameras that track license plates, drones as first responders, live streaming 911 calls, and fingerprinting. Cameras are posted in all city parks, including the Peachtree Creek Greenway, but not inside neighborhoods or on private property.
“The partnership that we have with our business community is critical in the role of maintaining public safety, reducing crime across the city while working together. We are strengthening the safety net and capitalizing on technology and shared resources that protect our community,” Gurley said.
