MASK UP VALDOSTA 

Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear face-coverings in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. This voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month.

“We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Mayor Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the spread of COVID – 19.”

Health experts recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, etc. will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face-covering limits the spread of germs. Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.

Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share via social media using the hashtag #MaskUpValdosta.

“We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Let’s all do our part to protect one another!” said Matheson.

Valdosta Fleet Superintendent John Burton Receives APWA Georgia Chapter Fleet Maintenance Excellence Award

Every year the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), recognizes Fleet Maintenance Divisions across the state by awarding the Fleet Maintenance Excellence Award to the Division with outstanding achievements. This years' recipient is John Burton, Fleet Superintendent for the City of Valdosta. The Fleet Maintenance Division falls under the Public Works Department and is primarily responsible for the repair, maintenance, and refueling of most city vehicles.

Everything that the city does from transporting individuals to sweeping debris is dependent on having functional department vehicles. Without a Fleet Maintenance Division, the city would have to outsource vehicle maintenance. Most auto shops operate on a first come first serve basis meaning that they would not be able to prioritize city vehicles and would thus place them in a queue with all other customers. These maintenance shops also have a much longer turnaround time than the Fleet Division, leaving city departments without a functioning vehicle for an extended period of time. The Fleet Division can prioritize the vehicles that come in and know what is needed or how it impacts a department to have a vehicle out of service, so they strive to return vehicles the same day that they are dropped off.

Turnaround time is just one of the many reasons why the Valdosta Fleet Division is being recognized along with Fleet Superintendent John Burton. Burton acknowledges his team and contributes this accomplishment to their hard work and dedication. "I am just overwhelmed to receive this award and for the recognition of all the work that we do. It's not just me, it's all the mechanics that help so this represents the whole city's Fleet Maintenance Program," said Burton.

The nomination for this award came directly from Public Works Director, Richard Hardy, who says that when overlooking the fleet division's capabilities, it became clear they were deserving of recognition. The division maintains more than 300 vehicles that are critical to the city's daily operations and says that thanks to John Burton he can reassure all departments they are in good hands. "It is an honor to see individuals from the city get recognized for their accomplishments," said Hardy.

John has a long list of responsibilities and is able to provide insight into the fleet for the city departments. When it comes time to make a change in vehicles or update the fleet, he writes all the specifications of every piece of equipment to make sure that it can sustain the environment that it is placed in and the vehicle is going to last. Seeing as the city has equipment that is 18-20 years old, it is important to make sure they have the right people and training. Burton is constantly working with his team to keep the fleet in tack, focused, and continuing to meet the needs of the city.

Citizen’s Police Academy

The Valdosta Police Department is seeking applicants for its 32nd Session of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) which will be held each Thursday night from September 10, 2020, to November 5, 2020.

The goal of this nine-week program is to give citizens a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern-day law enforcement agency and at the same time, promote a team concept between the Valdosta Police Department and the citizens we serve. During the academy, students are exposed to a variety of topics to give students a more in-depth understanding of law enforcement. Students will be given a tour of the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Lab, experience shooting simulation training, and the opportunity to ride along with patrol officers, as well as an introduction to the function and mission of each bureau within the department. 

There are no fees to attend and all materials needed are furnished free of charge. The students will meet each Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to around 9 p.m. during the nine (9) week class and there will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the academy. 

Citizens who are interested need to contact Captain Kari Williams at (229) 293-3099 or [email protected] for an application. The class is limited in size and applicants are selected on a first-come basis. The CPA is given twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Those applicants not selected for this session may be selected to attend the CPA in Spring 2021.