Brookhaven Names Deputy Police Chief

On his first day on the job, Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura named veteran officer Ron Freeman as deputy police chief.

Both Yandura and Freeman started work on Monday, announcing the purchase of the city’s first police cars. The city purchased 46 Ford Interceptors, seven Impalas and three Ford Interceptor SUVs.

The Interceptors, which will arrive in about two months, were selected because of their good gas mileage and availability. The Impalas and SUVs will be used by the command staff and investigators.

“I am ecstatic to be part of a new city and have the privilege to work with the men and women who will be Brookhaven’s first officers,” Freeman said. “Our first priority is to make sure we provide the service and attitude that the people of Brookhaven deserve.”

Freeman brings more than two decades of experience. He recently served as commander of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department’s South Precinct. During his 26-year career with Forsyth County, Freeman worked in investigations, training, professional standards and patrol.  He also is a graduate of the national FBI Academy and currently serves as president of the Georgia chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates.

In addition to purchasing equipment, the two chiefs are in the process of hiring a command staff, meeting with area law enforcement and assessing how many officers are needed for Brookhaven. Yandura said he is committed to having a force that models the makeup of the city, including bilingual officers.

Brookhaven currently has an intergovernmental agreement with DeKalb County to provide police services. The goal is to have Brookhaven officers on the road by the end of the summer.