2013 Bobby Franklin Award Winner Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Hollis Brown of Augusta State Medical Prison Honored

FORSYTH - Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) presented Hollis Brown with the Bobby Franklin Award at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.

"The Department is proud to honor Hollis with this prestigious award," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "His bravery and determination to protect his fellow officers is admirable."

The Bobby Franklin Award was created to honor the memory of Correctional Officer Bobby Franklin of the Colwell Probation Detention Center. Officer Franklin died on August 20, 2003 while deployed in Iraq. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 210th National Guard Military Police in Franklin, NC and voluntarily lengthened his tour of duty to remain with his troops. He began his career with the Department of Corrections in 1987.

When providing instruction to an inmate, Officer Brown was injured when the inmate attacked him with a sharp object. Despite his injury and the risk of begin subject to more, Officer Brown's only thought was protecting his fellow officers. He quickly subdued the inmate, preventing further harm. Officer Brown's quick response to a dangerous situation despite his own personal safety shows the strongest levels of personal courage and commitment to team.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward, Board of Corrections Vice Chair Rose Williams, and special guest speakers Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole and Mercer University Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.