Carrollton hosted more than 150 officers from around the state when the Georgia Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors’ 30th annual training conference was held here the week of September 23. The event is nicknamed “Train the Trainer” because instructors are taught current techniques, then carry that knowledge back to their agencies to train their officers. Carrollton has hosted the event for several years and has again been named host city for next year’s conference.
Each year GALEFI’s Board of Directors presents the Dale Moorefield Award for outstanding support of the organization, which is typically given to a firearms instructor who has shown dedication and leadership in promoting the group. The award was named after one of the founding fathers of GALEFI, in honor of his hard work to ensure Georgia law enforcement firearms instructors receive advanced, top-notch training. This year’s recipient of this prestigious award was the City of Carrollton.
GALEFI recognized Carrollton for the city’s outstanding support throughout the years the event has been hosted here. This year in particular, support was given by City Manager Tim Grizzard, Police Chief Joel Richards, Arts Center Director Tim Chapman, Street Department Director Mike Green, Recreation Department Director Peter Maierhofer and numerous other employees of the city assisted in preparation for the event. Plaques were presented to Grizzard, Chapman and Richards (accepted by Steven Davenport).
“GALEFI is blessed to have a partnership with Carrollton,” said the organization’s president, James Perry. “You have no idea how many folks brag on how law enforcement friendly this community is. These folks love to come to this town because of that. We’re already looking forward to next year.”
GALEFI is the only organization in Georgia with the sole purpose of advancing law enforcement training in the area of firearms outside the basic police academy.
Main Street Grant Helps Restore 118 Rome Street
With help from a Carrollton Main Street Downtown Beautification grant, Norton Properties founder and CEO, Jason Norton, recently completed a total renovation of the building at 118 Rome Street.
“This building is absolutely beautiful,” said Main Street’s board president, Faith Mallory Wright. “Jason and his team have done a wonderful job preserving the building’s historic value while integrating modern accents to give it a fresh look. I am so happy to see these grant funds used in a way that enhances the look of our downtown.”
The $2,500 beautification grant offset some of the cost of renovating the building’s facade. Norton described the redesign of the building as “industrial minimalist.”
“I wanted to take what had become a neglected, tired space and bring it back to life,” said Norton, who graduated from UWG as an economics major in 2004. “This space is my most ambitious project to date, but it made sense because the location is right and the numbers work. My hope is that this space will attract a quality commercial tenant to further enhance our wonderful downtown community.”
The purpose of the Main Street Downtown Beautification Program is to stimulate downtown development, improve the visual image of properties within the Main Street district and generate pride in the community. Applicants may receive up to $2,500 per project and must match the grant funding, dollar for dollar. The grant money can be used for awnings, signage and exterior painting and staining on the building, trim and door.
For questions about 118 Rome Street, call (678) 941-3493. For more information about the Downtown Beautification Grant, please call Carrollton Main Street at (770) 832-6901 or go to https://carrolltondowntown.com/merchant-support.