Cobb County public safety personnel were honored at the annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon on October 6, 2025. The event, organized by the Cobb Chamber and supported by Superior Plumbing, Cobb EMC, and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, took place at the Coca-Cola Roxy. It marked the start of Public Safety Appreciation Week, which aims to thank those who help keep Cobb County safe.
Tim Milligan, Public Safety Chairman for the Cobb Chamber and Chief of the Marietta Fire Department, addressed attendees alongside Lance LoRusso of LoRusso Law Firm. Both spoke about community support for public safety workers throughout the year.
Awards were given to members of police, fire departments, sheriff’s office, campus police, and emergency medical services from across Cobb County.
The Public Safety Employee of the Year award went to Field Training Officer Stephen Abernathy of the Cobb County Police Department. In January 2025, Abernathy showed initiative during two significant incidents: an improvised explosive device was placed at a local bank where he identified a suspect vehicle and contributed to an arrest; later that month he gathered video evidence at a homicide scene leading to another arrest. He also mentors new officers as a Field Training Officer and serves with the department’s Honor Guard.
“FTO Abernathy exemplifies the values of hard work, integrity, and leadership, and reflects great credit to Precinct Two and the Cobb County Police Department,” according to event organizers.
The Award of Valor was presented to Officer Rahim Somani from the Cobb County Police Department for his actions on December 5, 2024. While off duty after his shift at Precinct 4, Somani came upon a car crash on I-285 where one vehicle was on fire with a man trapped inside. He forced open a door and rescued the driver moments before flames consumed the car.
“Officer Somani’s bravery and decisive action undoubtedly saved the man’s life. His conduct reflects the highest ideals of law enforcement and public service. His heroic efforts that night serve as a powerful reminder of the selfless commitment officers make both on and off duty,” stated organizers in their remarks.
The awards ceremony highlighted individuals from various public safety agencies in recognition of their service.
In related news about education in Cobb County:
Enrollment in county schools increased by less than 0.1% during the 2022-23 school year compared to previous years (https://www.gadoe.org/). The total number of students enrolled was 115,076 (https://www.gadoe.org/), with white students making up approximately one-third (33%) of all students (https://www.gadoe.org/).
A full list of those recognized at this year’s luncheon is available online.
