Jason Griffin, Chief of Police, Milton, Georgia
1. Please introduce yourself. What is your name, rank/title, and role within your department?
My name is Jason Griffin, and I serve as the Chief of Police for the City of Milton, Georgia. In this role, I have the privilege of leading the men and women of the Milton Police Department as we work to protect, serve, and partner with our community every day.
2. How long have you served as a first responder?
I have spent 24 years in public safety, serving as a law enforcement officer.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
I was inspired by a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Law enforcement gives you the opportunity to help others during some of their most difficult moments, and that sense of purpose has always been meaningful to me.
4. What do you enjoy most about serving the community of Milton?
What I enjoy most is the strong sense of community in Milton. Our residents care deeply about one another, support public safety, and take pride in making this city a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
5. What does being a first responder mean to you personally?
Being a first responder means being willing to step forward when others need help. It means serving with courage, humility, and compassion, often without knowing what the next call or day will bring my way.
6. Can you share a memorable moment when you felt especially proud to serve your community?
Some of the proudest moments come when I see our officers go above and beyond for someone in need. Whether it is helping a family through a crisis, comforting a child, or simply taking the time to listen, those moments remind me why this profession matters.
7. How has your profession changed since you first began your career?
Law enforcement has changed significantly. Technology, training, communication, and community expectations have all evolved. Today’s officers must be problem-solvers, communicators, guardians, and public servants, often all at the same time.
8. What qualities do you believe are most important for someone entering your field today?
Integrity is first. Beyond that, someone entering law enforcement today needs empathy, sound judgment, resilience, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve others.
9. As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, what does being an American mean to you?
Being an American means being part of something larger than ourselves. It means valuing freedom, responsibility, service, and the ongoing work of building stronger communities for future generations.
10. How do you see the values of service, sacrifice, and community reflected in your work?
Those values are at the heart of public safety. Our officers serve others before themselves, make sacrifices that often go unseen, and work every day to strengthen trust and safety within the community.
11. What aspects of our country’s history inspire you the most?
I am inspired by the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve, whether in the military, public safety, education, medicine, or civic life. Our history is filled with people who chose duty, courage, and service over comfort.
12. In what ways do first responders help uphold the ideals upon which America was founded?
First responders help protect the rights, safety, and well-being of our communities. By serving fairly, treating people with dignity, and protecting life and property, we help uphold the ideals of liberty, justice, and equal service under the law.
13. What gives you hope for the future of our community and our country?
What gives me hope is seeing people come together. In Milton, I see residents, businesses, schools, faith groups, and public servants working side by side to solve problems and support one another.
14. What advice would you give to young people who are considering careers in public service?
My advice is to lead with character. Work hard, listen more than you speak, treat people with respect, and remember that public service is not about authority, it is about responsibility.
15. How can residents best support and partner with first responders in their communities?
Residents can support first responders by staying engaged, communicating openly, reporting concerns, participating in community programs, and getting to know the officers who serve their neighborhoods. Strong relationships make communities safer.
16. When you’re off duty, what do you enjoy doing with family and friends?
When I am off duty, I enjoy spending time with family and friends golfing or at the lake, relaxing, and appreciating the everyday moments that keep life balanced. Time with loved ones is important and helps recharge me for the work ahead.
17. What is one thing your neighbors might be surprised to learn about you?
They might be surprised to know that, like many people in public safety, I value the quiet moments just as much as the busy ones. Outside the uniform, I am someone who enjoys family, community, and simple time spent with good people.
18. If you could describe your department or team in three words, what would they be?
Professional. Compassionate. Committed.
19. As America celebrates 250 years, what message would you like to share with your fellow citizens?
As we celebrate 250 years as a nation, I would encourage all of us to remember that America’s strength has always come from its people. We honor our history best by serving one another, respecting one another, and working together to build a safer and stronger future.
20. Is there anyone you’d like to recognize or thank for supporting you throughout your career?
I would like to thank my family, whose support has made my career possible, and the many mentors, colleagues, officers, and community members who have shaped and supported me along the way. I am especially grateful for the men and women of the Milton Police Department, whose dedication to this community inspires me every day.
Shawn McCarty, Police Captain, Milton, Georgia
1. Please introduce yourself. What is your name, rank/title, and role within your department?
Shawn McCarty, Captain, Uniform Patrol Captain.
2. How long have you served as a first responder?
26 years
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
I had some family members who were police officers, and I think that is what planted the seed initially. I wanted a career where I felt that I could serve and help others.
4. What do you enjoy most about serving the community of Milton?
The personal connections that you can establish with residents and the opportunity to make a positive impact on their quality of life.
5. What does being a first responder mean to you personally?
Being a first responder means being someone that people can rely on during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It is a responsibility and privilege to be in a position to help others when they need it most.
6. Can you share a memorable moment when you felt especially proud to serve your community?
One of the things that makes me most proud is seeing officers and supervisors that I have mentored throughout their careers develop into successful leaders themselves. I also had the opportunity to serve as a community football coach at Milton and Cambridge, which allowed me to build relationships with young men and their families outside of law enforcement. Watching those men develop both on and off the field was equally rewarding.
7. How has your profession changed since you first began your career?
Over the years, police officers have been asked to become more highly trained to deal with issues outside of traditional police work, including medical emergencies, mental health crises, and quality-of-life issues. Today’s officers are expected to wear many hats and possess a broader skill set than ever before.
8. What qualities do you believe are most important for someone entering your field today?
The most important quality is having a passion for the work and helping others. Over time, the career can become stressful and lead to burnout. Having a passion for the profession and remembering why you chose it helps you get through the tougher times.
9. As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, what does being an American mean to you?
Freedom. There is no other place like it.
10. How do you see the values of service, sacrifice, and community reflected in your work?
It is a career where success is measured by improving the safety and well-being of others. Service and sacrifice are part of the commitment we make to help provide a safe and peaceful community.
11. What aspects of our country’s history inspire you the most?
Perseverance. The United States has faced wars, disasters, and internal challenges throughout its history, yet we continue to move forward. I also appreciate that we are a nation that values freedom, personal responsibility, and independent thought.
12. In what ways do first responders help uphold the ideals upon which America was founded?
By choosing a profession centered on serving others and being there to help during times of crisis. First responders help protect the freedoms and quality of life that many Americans enjoy.
13. What gives you hope for the future of our community and our country?
The people. Every day I see residents who volunteer, support their neighbors, and look for ways to improve their community. That willingness to get involved and help others gives me confidence in the future.
14. What advice would you give to young people who are considering careers in public service?
Don’t be discouraged by naysayers. If public service is your passion, then pursue it 100 percent. It will not always be easy, but if it is truly your calling, it will be a rewarding and meaningful career.
15. How can residents best support and partner with first responders in their communities?
Stay engaged with your community, report suspicious activity, participate in community programs, and take the time to get to know your local first responders. Public safety works best when citizens and first responders work together as partners.
16. When you’re off duty, what do you enjoy doing with family and friends?
I enjoy spending time with family, working on my farm, raising cattle , and enjoying the outdoors.
17. What is one thing your neighbors might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people know me as a police captain, but they may be surprised to learn that I also operate a small cattle farm and spend much of my free time working with livestock.
18. If you could describe your department or team in three words, what would they be?
Professional, Dedicated, Compassionate.
19. As America celebrates 250 years, what message would you like to share with your fellow citizens?
Be proud to be an American and look for ways that you can help improve your community. Strong communities are built by people who are willing to get involved and make a difference.
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize or thank for supporting you throughout your career?
My family, for always being supportive and understanding.
