There are some people who come into our lives and make an undeniable positive impact. Sgt. Brian Hunt is absolutely one of those people for me, and for our department and city.
He had been working at the Acworth Police Department for a couple of years when I began my career here. He welcomed me with open arms. He was kind, and willing to share his knowledge, and we became fast friends. I am grateful to have had the benefit of his knowledge for so many years. He has been an inspiration and a mentor to me, and I know the same can be said for nearly every person in our department.
Hunt began his career in law enforcement as a correctional officer in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Some of our best police officers begin their careers in our detention center. Working in the jail, they hone the most valuable tool that law enforcement officers have — verbal communication. They learn to talk to inmates and their families in a way that is both respectful and authoritative, and they develop a rapport that serves them well when working with citizens in the community.
Our city jail is an excellent training ground, so you can imagine the benefit Hunt had from working in a much larger prison setting. While working for the Department of Corrections, he advanced through the ranks and became a member of the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). He was among the best of the best, which should not be a surprise to anyone who knows him.
Over the past 20 years with our agency, Hunt has served in several capacities, including detention officer, detention administrator, patrol officer, community affairs liaison and patrol sergeant. Through the years, he also has been one of our best instructors. He is an outstanding supervisor, and he distinguishes himself as a leader and mentor to others. He is empathetic, compassionate and recognizes needs in others. Most importantly, he has the ability and desire to help.
Hunt has excelled in every position he has had. In addition to receiving multiple Officer of the Quarter awards, he has been Officer of the Year for our department twice, and, in 2016, he received the prestigious Cobb County Public Safety Officer of the Year award from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. That year, he was recognized for performing lifesaving CPR on a man who had a heart attack and wrecked his vehicle.
President Ronald Reagan said, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem.” Hunt and the Marines have that in common.
Last month, Hunt celebrated his 20th anniversary with the Acworth Police Department. We have been the grateful recipients of two decades of his mentorship and leadership. This month, he will take on a new role in our training division. We are looking forward to the sergeant dedicating himself full-time to what has really been his passion for the past 20 years — teaching and mentoring others. Please join me in thanking him for his many years of service, and welcoming him to his new position.
– Wayne Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.
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