A local law enforcement officer has received a historic statewide honor.
Earlier this week, Major Trey Burgamy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was recognized as a recipient of a Flame of Hope Award.
Only 10 individuals from across the state of Georgia were named as winners.
They were honored in a ceremony the the State Capitol in Atlanta by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
“This year’s Flame of Hope Award recipients embody the best of Georgia’s spirit,” said Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. “Each of these winners have redefined how we address mental health, recovery, and support for individuals with disabilities. Their work inspires us to continue building a system that is compassionate, effective, and inclusive for all Georgians.”
During the ceremony held on Tuesday, a large group of bipartisan political leaders from across the aisle joined to thank the honored individuals for their outstanding work in the field.
Among those in attendance included Georgia House of Representatives Speaker Jon Burns.
“The Flame of Hope honorees are unsung heroes to the individuals they serve, a beacon of hope for families in crisis, and a source of inspiration within their communities,” said Commissioner Tanner. “This ceremony honors these recipients and highlights their contributions to the well-being and progress of those facing mental or behavioral health challenges. Tomorrow, we hope these stories inspire others to do the same.”
This is the second year in which the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has recognized the work of Flame of Hope honorees. Last year, they awarded 7 individuals.
The 17 winners over the past two years were selected from a diverse group of over 300 combined nominees.
“Major Trey Burgamy is dedicated to bridging law enforcement and behavioral health in Washington County. From crisis intervention training to establishing a Mental Health Task Force, his work has improved community relations and crisis response,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. “We are proud of Major Burgamy and all that his team are doing here in Washington and surrounding counties. Keep up the great work!”
Major Trey Burgamy was a 1991 graduate of John Hancock Academy in Sparta. He then received an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville.
Burgamy has a career in law enforcement that spans over 32 years – beginning as a Correctional Officer in 1992. After 13 years with the Georgia Department of Corrections, he then worked as a Detective for the Tennille Police Department.
Major Burgamy has been an Investigator with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for over 13 years. He holds a passion for improving relations between those in mental health distress and law enforcement response.
In recent years, the Major has established the Washington County Mental Health Task Force that includes local law enforcement and concerned community leaders.