Coweta County mourns loss of public safety advocate Norma Haynes
Norma Haynes, known as the "Mother of Public Safety" in Coweta County, passed away on March 10 at age 87, leaving behind decades of service to local first responders and her community.
Haynes was Coweta's first female bailiff and founded the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation, helping provide essential support and recognition to public safety workers.
A lifelong Newnan resident, she was honored with multiple awards including the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Meritorious Award in 2005 and Coweta County Citizen of the Year in 2022.
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - Coweta County said a heartfelt goodbye this week to one of its most beloved citizens, Norma Haynes, who passed away on March 10 at the age of 87. Known to many as the "Mother of Public Safety," Haynes leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, compassion and dedication to her community, according to Coweta County Sheriff's Office.
What we know
Haynes made history in 1980 as Coweta County's first female bailiff, paving the way for women in local law enforcement. She later founded the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that provided resources and recognition for first responders throughout the county. One of her most well-known contributions was the annual Public Safety Appreciation Lunch, which became a community tradition.
The backstory
A lifelong resident of Newnan, Haynes played a vital role in numerous community efforts over the years, including organizing the local celebration of the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. Her work earned her several honors, including the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Meritorious Award in 2005 and the title of Coweta County Citizen of the Year in 2022.
The Coweta County Sheriff's Office described Haynes as more than just a supporter—they considered her family.
Funeral services were held this week as the community gathered to honor her memory. Haynes' influence on public safety and community spirit in Coweta County is expected to endure for generations.
"Rest in peace, Ms. Norma," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "Your legacy will live on in Coweta County forever."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
American Press
28-06-2025
- American Press
Msgr. Charles J. Dubois
Msgr. Charles J. Dubois, 85, a priest of 60 years of the Diocese of Lake Charles, died Monday, June 23, 2025 at Harbor Hospice. Msgr. Dubois was born Nov. 5, 1939, the youngest of three sons to Andre 'Simon' DuBois and Regina Brown DuBois in Erath, La. where he was raised, educated, and was forever proud of his family, their roots, and the culture of their hometown. He was affectionately known as 'Charlie', by his community, and is remembered for his grin that often told an unsaid story of his 'humorous, playful and mildly mischievous ventures.' He was a graduate of Immaculata Seminary of Lafayette, La. and Notre Dame Seminary School of Theology New Orleans, La. where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1964. He began his vocational journey with his Ordination to Catholic Priesthood on Dec. 19, 1964 at St. John The Evangelist Cathedral in Lafayette. He began his first assignment on Jan. 5, 1965, as the Associate Pastor for St. Michael's Catholic Church in Crowley and Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Dissemination of Information for Desegregation of Acadia Parish Schools. In January of 1971, Msgr. Dubois was transferred as an Associate Pastor to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lake Charles and in February of 1974 he transferred to Pastor his first parish at St. Margaret Catholic Church. During this time, he served as Chairman of Clergy Senate in the Lafayette Diocese and Co-Chairman of the Provincial Council of Priest and Bishops of the New Orleans Province. He was also appointed the Acting Episcopal Vicar of the Lafayette Diocese and was appointed by the Archbishop of New Orleans as the Observer-National Catholic Conference of Bishops for Region 5. He also served as A.S.A. Diocesan Consultor. On July 1, 1983 Msgr. Dubois was transferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur and in 1997, was transferred to St. Theodore Catholic Church and named Administrator of St. Pius X Chapel, where he served until he retired on June 30, 2014. He organized and oversaw over 30 ministries that served these two churches and was present for as many meetings and projects as possible. As time and experience in all areas of his ministry grew, Msgr. Dubois took on more and more responsibilities. His humility, integrity and fidelity led him to countless boards and leadership positions in numerous government and community events. He continued to attend Diocesan meetings and conferences and all things encompassing his obligation to serve, while making time to be available for calls from parishioners seeking his counsel. He continued to serve those parishioners, well into his eighties until his decline in health no longer allowed him. Some of his honors include Chaplain to the United States Senate, Chaplain for the Calcasieu Parish Jail, member of Third Degree Lake Arthur Council of Knights of Columbus, Faithful Friar, Monsignor Peters Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Citizen of the Year by St. Theodore Knights of Columbus and Clergyman of the Year by the Fourth Degree District of Louisiana and The Times of Southwest Louisiana. He served on the Executive Committee, for the Papal visit of John Paul II to New Orleans. Msgr. also devoted much time and service to many local and national alcohol, drug and rehabilitation center Boards of Directors. He will be most remembered for his immeasurable wealth of knowledge, wisdom, kind yet comical personality, and his unwavering commitment to his ministry. He leaves to cherish his memory 10 nieces and nephews, Michelle DuBois Picard (Rusty), Jacquelyn 'Jackie' DuBois, Marie-Claire DuBois Massingill (Mike), Andre Simon DuBois III (Annie), Monique DuBois, Renee DuBois McDermott (Jim), Elizabeth Ann DuBois Burch, Yvette DuBois Hebert (Chris), Camille DuBois and Richard Camille DuBois Jr. (Tiffany); sister-in-law, Eldine 'Deanie' Sonnier DuBois; 18 great-nieces and nephews and 20 great-great-nieces and nephews. Numerous cousins are also left to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andre Simon DuBois Sr. and Regina Brown DuBois; two brothers, Andre Simon DuBois Jr. and Richard Camille DuBois Sr., and sister-in-law, Dolores Bolner DuBois. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Aubrey Guilbeau will officiate. Interment services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath, La. Visitation Tuesday will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with an ACTS rosary beginning at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral. Visitation Wednesday will resume at 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Pallbearers for his service will be Andre DuBois III, Richard DuBois Jr., Jonathan Gary, Fred Reggie, Greg Reggie and Ron Murray. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Pettaway and Adam Reed. 'We, the family of Msgr. DuBois, would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone in his 'village' who cared for him during his health decline. All of us are forever grateful for the immeasurable amount of kindness, compassion, and love that was bestowed upon him by so many, especially Andrea Prejean for being our lifeline and 'Earth Angel'.' We honor Msgr.'s heartfelt devotion to Matthew 25 in kindly requesting that Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana at catholiccha or Abraham's Tent at 2424 Fruge St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Retired 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer honored at Springfield Regional Chamber Spotlight
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Regional Chamber gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate a year of progress during its Chamber Spotlight and annual meeting. The night was an extra special occasion as they honored longtime 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer. Rich may have just retired, but the community is still showing appreciation for his years of dedicated service by always keeping western Massachusetts informed. Longtime 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer retires after 37 years It was a heartfelt moment Wednesday night as former 22News anchor Rich Tettemer was recognized for a lifetime of service to western Mass., spending decades earning the trust and hearts of viewers. Tettemer, who recently retired after nearly four decades on air, was named the Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year at the Springfield Regional Chamber's Spotlight and annual meeting, both his family and 22News family proudly watching on. 'So many people have said how much they've respected me and liked watching me, it's unbelievable,' Tettemer said. 'I appreciate it so much.' The event served as a celebration of growth, connection, and the people behind the region's progress, from local leaders within journalism, to law, education, and business. For Rich, it was always about delivering the news to viewers with great integrity and lending out a helping hand outside of the station. 'Because it's about commitment to the community,' Tettemer said. 'The Children's Miracle Work Telethon, the NAMI Walkathon, the Super 60 Luncheon that I host with the Rotary Club. There's a lot of things I've had the chance to be a part of, and it's so cool to be recognized for that.' And after years of shining a light on others and the stories that shaped us, that light now shone on Rich, who is always 'working for you.' 'Always be empathetic to stories that are out there,' Tettemer said. 'You've got to remember that you are not just reading a news story and going on to the next one. It's all about the people.' 22News wants to once again congratulate Rich on his successful career and retirement. To learn more about how to support the Springfield Regional Chamber, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Yahoo
Trump cut funding for Lawrence museum. How community rallied to raise it back
After facing federal grant cuts, the Douglas County Historical Society has regained its financial footing with the support of the Lawrence community, an online fundraiser and a generous private donor. The society's museum, the Watkins Museum of History, located at 11th and Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, celebrated its 50th anniversary in April. But the party was rained on when, also in April, a $50,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services was terminated due to an executive order from President Donald Trump. Executive Order 14238 continues the reduction of the federal bureaucracy that President Trump has maintained is unnecessary. But the move has also put Congressionally-approved federal funding like the musueum grant in jeopardy. 'It was granted to us by a federal institution authorized by Congress,' said Will Haynes, the deputy director for engagement and learning at the Watkins Museum. 'This was illegal what they were doing, and what they are doing still.' The grant would have funded an educational project called 'Seeking a More Perfect Union, ' said Haynes. It included lesson plans and teacher resources on the Underground Railroad, which was active in Lawrence. The society has an important duty to share the roots of the city, he said. 'Lawrence has a history that is nationally significant because the city was founded as part of the movement against slavery,' said Haynes. 'We take that special history seriously, and we try to interpret history in such a way that we show folks how it's relevant to this day.' The grant cut caused a $13,000 loss for the society. The termination was due to the project being deemed to 'no longer serve the interest of the United States,' stated a letter from the IMLS. 'The claim that it does not serve the interest of the United States was false, and I think evidence of that is seen in the great outpouring of support that we got with the GoFundMe campaign,' said Haynes. Last week, the society finally recovered the $13,000 lost due to the grant funding being pulled after a private donor contributed $6,000, in addition to the more than $5,000 raised from GoFundMe, Haynes said. 'It was a very gratifying thing to see the support of the public, and it was a reminder that the public supports what our museum and other museums and historic sites do,' he said. Watkins Museum is considered a staple of the Lawrence community by many, according to Haynes. The free museum brings in about $1.5 million yearly in revenue for the county. In fact, the society recently received a proclamation from the city commemorating their work. 'We're still following the same mission that we did back in 1933 of preserving the county history, and I'm having it available to tell stories of local history and then interpreting those artifacts, documents, and stories for people today,' said Haynes.
