The Columbia County Board of Commissioners recognized former Commissioner Gary Richardson for his years of service on the commission.
Richardson resigned to run for the House District 125 seat that was left open when Barry Fleming was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the Columbia County circuit of Superior Court following the retirement of James Blanchard. Prior to his resignation, he served on the board of commissioners for eight years and on the planning commission for six and a half years, he said.
“What stands out most to me is the work you did with the sheriff’s (office)…initiatives,” Duncan said. “Pushing things that make citizens safe, crime initiatives that you work with, especially you know we have license plate readers now. When a felon crosses into Columbia County, it goes off in the sheriff’s office like that, and they arrest them before they drive through. That was partially your idea, and I want to thank you for that.”
Richardson received a standing ovation from the crowd, county staff members and fellow commissioners as he received his plaque of recognition.
“I am totally shocked at this,” Richardson said. “…I came tonight because I wanted to be here with these young ladies (Greenbrier High School flag football team) and their achievement and their recognition…I just wanted to be here to see them get this (proclamation). It was such an honor to serve with you and the rest of the commission and the staff and just an unbelievable place we have going here. I don’t think people realize how fantastic it is.”
The commissioners also presented a proclamation recognizing the Greenbrier High School flag football team for winning the 2023 Division II State Championship.
“The Flag Football Team played an outstanding season to become the first team in the CSRA to win a state championship since the Georgia High School Association adopted the sport 4 years ago; and whereas, Head Coach Daniel Jordan and Assistant Coaches Wes Marshall, Jamie Smith, and Ali Collins led the Lady Wolfpack to victory teaching the team the value of sportsmanship and the importance of believing in yourself; and whereas, a number of players went on to represent the school in All Area and State All Star competitions and serve as role models to promote the sport,” the proclamation reads in part.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
