VPD Recognizes Service and Promotions

The Valdosta Police Department honored more than a dozen personnel during a Retirement, Promotion, Service and Department Awards Ceremony at the City Hall Annex on July 26. City officials, government employees and citizens gathered to honor the dedicated service of the outstanding men and women who make up the city's police force.

The featured awards were given to Crime Scene Technician Raymond McGraw, who is retiring after 25 years of service, and Lt. Jo Ann Rofulowitz, who is retiring after 24 years of service. Among several others who were recognized at the event, Chief of Police Brian Childress was also recognized for 15 years of dedicated service to the force.

"The city recognizes the difficult times we're living in and the demands you have," said City Manager Larry Hanson, addressing the men and women of the Valdosta Police Department. "Thank you for all your hard work and for the way you represent us each and every day. We want you to know that your city is here for you and with you, and we support you."

The full list of awards and promotions celebrated at the ceremony are as follows:

Promotion to Sergeant

  • Sgt. Alan Girsch
  • Sgt. Charles Klingemann
  • Sgt. Travis Phinney

Promotion to Lieutenant

  • Lt. Jay Wolfe

Retirement

  • Crime Scene Technician Raymond McGraw
  • Lt. Jo Ann Rofulowitz

15 Year Service Award

  • Chief Brian Childress
  • Sgt. Joshua Ellwood
  • Sgt. Jeremyah Jones
  • Sgt. Alan Girsch

10 Year Service Award

  • Criminalist Selena Phinney
  • Officer Randall Hancock
  • Sgt. Sabrina Smith
  • Sgt. Heather Willis

2016 Top Gun Award

  • Officer Brett Boyd

Officer Boyd achieved the fastest time on the VPD fitness/obstacle course while obtaining a 100 percent accuracy rate with the firearms portion of the course. He completed the course in two minutes, one second—a VPD record—and hit 10 out of 10 targets.

Visit the city's online Photo Gallery to view images of the event.

The city congratulates these incredible police personnel for their long-standing efforts to protect and serve Valdosta citizens, day in and day out.

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