Latest news with #EugeneBrantley
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Wear Orange event held in downtown Augusta to discuss National Gun Violence Awareness Month
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month and members of the community came together Friday night to bring attention to this issue. Families, community leaders and local leaders all gathered at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater to reflect and discuss ways to prevent future tragedies. There was story telling, moments of reflection and a balloon release. Elected officials spoke at the event including Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley and District One Commissioner Jordan Johnson. Johnson spoke to the crowd about his personal battle with gun violence in his family. 'I remember looking at my cousin in his casket, I remember watching my aunt scream and I can still hear her screaming. I can see my family still consoling her and even to this day on his birthday I can still see how she attempts to address the pain she still feels 16 years after his killing,' said Johnson. Hope Ciccio lost her son in 2019 and bravely shared his story at the event. She says it was wonderful to see the community come together to learn more about wear orange and gun violence awareness. 'It helped bring awareness and keep my sons story out there and I'm praying that we get justice for him. It means a lot that the community is coming together and the sheriff's department is coming together trying to resolve the issues that are going on in Augusta,' Ciccio said. Phyllis Jackson, Local Group Lead Volunteer for Moms Demand Action, explains what she hopes people learn from this event. 'I want people to understand that the grieving process is an everyday process, I lost my son in 2019 but today it seems like yesterday. I want people to understand that these children or these loved ones, their not statistics, they have names and those names have stories. I want people to recognize and understand that what you see on TV is not a game and it affects the community as a whole,' said Jackson. Moms Demand Action and Georgia Shift hosted the evening of remembrance and call to action. The Wear Orange campaign runs through Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Gun violence awareness event in Augusta to take place Friday
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Moms Demand Action and Georgia Shift will host an 'Evening of Remembrance and Call to Action' event in Augusta on Friday. The event, schedule for June 6, will take place at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater & Plaza 15 8th Street at 6 p.m., according to organizers. Sheriff Eugene Brantley, various Augusta Commissioners, judicial leaders, faith leaders and others are expected to be present. The event is free and open to the public. Attendants are encouraged to wear orange, which represents the national color for gun violence awareness. A balloon release will also be held. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Richmond County Sheriff's Office meeting with downtown businesses owners
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – This effort is part of Sheriff Eugene Brantley's plan to build the relationship between the sheriff's office and downtown business owners. Part of the new Downtown Safety Plan is to have at least two deputies on each downtown block of Broad street from 9pm-3:30am. This plan has been fully implemented, and one business owner says he has already seen the impacts. 'I think it's pretty amazing to see how this is almost an overnight difference, in 6 months to have this difference of policing and the initiative that they're trying to do and how they're going about it is pretty amazing and you don't see this very often,' said Dylan Pope, Augusta Business Owner. There was a chance for business owners to be able to meet with and ask members of the sheriff's office any questions they had. Pope says it's imperative for not only the sheriff's office but also the Augusta commission to speak and listen to business owners and residents. 'I think that's what we've all been talking about, the lack of communication, the lack of transparency in the past and to see that the commission wants to have these meetings, to see that the sheriff wants to have these meetings, it goes to show that we're trying to make these steps in the right direction for a better downtown,' Pope said. Pope continued to say, 'We all want a better downtown, and we all want downtown to grow in a positive and safe way and Sheriff Brantley and his staff have definitely given that route and have already made big changes in the last 6 months.' Statistics show crime has decreased tremendously since Sheriff Brantley took office but he says there are always things they can improve. 'I think you could hear that what we've down thus far is better than what was previously being done. We still have some things we have to tweak and work on to continue to make downtown safer,' said Eugene Brantley, Richmond County Sheriff. The sheriff's office plans to have these meetings every 4 months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Richmond Co. Sheriff's Office honors four for heroism, public service dedication
RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – Sheriff Eugene Brantley and the Command Staff of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office are proud to formally recognize 4 outstanding members of the department whose extraordinary actions and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our community. Deputy Martin Perez and Corporal Brandon Kennedy were honored for their swift and life-saving actions on March 29, 2025, at approximately 2:00 AM. The two responded to a call on the 3000 block of Deans Bridge Road regarding an overdose victim. Upon arrival, they found a male, William Marciall, unresponsive with no pulse despite being administered Narcan. Deputy Perez immediately began CPR, with Corporal Kennedy assisting. Thanks to their decisive actions, Marciall regained a heartbeat and consciousness before EMS arrived—ultimately saving his life. Sergeant Timothy Owens was also commended for his exceptional performance and heroic conduct. Earlier this month, Sgt. Owens engaged in a critical and compassionate intervention with a person in crisis on the 5th Street Bridge. His calm demeanor, patient communication, and commitment over several hours ultimately led to a peaceful resolution and saved a life. His actions exemplify the dedication and care that define the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Captain Scott Gay received commendation for his strategic leadership and diligent efforts during the 2025 Augusta National Golf Tournament. His meticulous planning and coordination ensured seamless law enforcement coverage throughout the high-profile event, enhancing the safety and success of one of Augusta's most prestigious occasions. Sheriff Brantley stated, 'These commendations reflect the heart of our mission—protecting lives, serving with integrity, and strengthening trust with our community. We are proud of the selflessness, professionalism, and courage shown by these exceptional members of our team.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
RCSO stays busy Masters Week, arresting Augusta woman on DUI charge outside Augusta National
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – While the Masters has made for a busy week in the Garden City, it's also been a busy last few days for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. It's the first Masters week for Sheriff Eugene Brantley since he took office at the beginning of the year. While he spent part of his Wednesday at Augusta National, one of his top deputies says it's a much-anticipated week for law enforcement. 'This is a sporting event that's publicized on a global scale. We want to make sure we represent Sheriff Brantley and the Sheriff's Office in a good light, and the city of Augusta as well,' said Colonel Bo Johnson. The Sheriff's Office partnering with multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure safety for those inside and outside of Augusta National. Deputies are helping with traffic flow and safety downtown, but are staying ready to respond to crimes. 'We utilize what we have, but it's a joint effort on behalf of federal, state, and local agencies,' said Johnson. 'We have had a few incidents this week, but nothing major.' One of those incidents happening Tuesday evening right outside of Augusta National Golf Club. The Sheriff's Office arrested and charged Julie Dicks with DUI and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer. That's after she allegedly would not pull over, then turned into Gate 5 before she was finally stopped and arrested. Dicks was also charged with DUI in February. 'Our officers were quick to go ahead and stop her, and take care of that particular subject and the vehicle. No damage and no injuries. We've made some adjustments to security to make sure we don't have any of those issues again,' Johnson said. So, what can you do to help? The Sheriff's Office is urging Masters patrons to protect their belongings/souvenirs. 'A lot of people love to purchase special items and memorabilia from Augusta National, but we want them to make sure they don't leave those inside their vehicle where it can be seen,' said Johnson. 'Just lock it in the trunk if you need to. Unfortunately, we have people that will come along and knock the windows out and take your items—-and many of those items are very expensive.' But even if you aren't attending the tournament, one of the best ways to help is exercising hospitality—inside and outside of the famous course. 'We want to show that southern hospitality that we're famous for. Whenever we have someone from out of town, be as accommodating as possible if you could. If they need directions, help them out with directions. We want these people to come back and contribute to our economy, and that's really important to Augusta as a whole,' said Johnson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
