Ga. Police Chief Struck by Vehicle Before Town's Christmas Parade
What to know
• Cohutta Police Chief Greg Fowler was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at the town’s Christmas parade Saturday and was rushed to a hospital in stable condition.
• The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the incident, which delayed the parade for about 30 minutes.
• Mayor Ron Shinnick praised Fowler’s long service and said the town is hopeful for his recovery, noting the department has faced major challenges in recent years, including a 2022 station fire.
Cohutta Police Chief Greg Fowler is now in stable condition after he was struck by a vehicle early Saturday evening, shortly before the Georgia town's annual Christmas parade was set to begin, according to a report from the Dalton Daily Citizen.
Mayor Ron Shinnick told the Citizen that the vehicle hit Fowler near the Cohutta Post Office. The chief was then transported by ambulance to Hamilton Medical Center.
Shinnick told the Citizen that Fowler was in a lot of pain."
Following a 30-minute delay, the town's Christmas parade was allowed to continue.
"I just hope the chief's going to do OK," Shinnick told the Citizen. "We're just hopeful everything's alright. It's just real unfortunate. He's had a long career in law enforcement and he's a real asset to the town."
The mayor said the incident is currently under investigation, with the Georgia State Patrol heading up the inquiry.
The town's official Facebook page had reported Fowler's condition was unknown around 6:30 p.m.
"Condition unknown. Prayers appreciated," the post said.
Nearly three years ago, on Dec. 18, 2022, the Cohutta Police Department was dealt a stunning blow when its headquarters were destroyed in a fire. About 95% of the department's equipment, including about 25 computers, fingerprint machines, printers, weapons, ballistic vests and gun belts for the department's 12 police officers were lost, Fowler told the Times Free Press in an interview days after the fire.
"... once our new facility is up and operating we will host an official open house to the wonderful community that has supported us through the fire and beyond, Fowler said at the time.
Compiled by Colin M. Stewart
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