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By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Ballard follows father into police work Garren Ballard - photo by Photo submitted
RINCON Nineteen-year-old Garren Ballard is passionately following a blue trail blazed by his father.
Just one week after graduating from the Savannah Technical College Peace Officer Academy on March 26, Ballard, 19, went on patrol for the first time as a member of the Port Wentworth Police Department. His father, Gilbert, is the chief of the Garden City Police Department.
“This is a lifelong dream,” Garren said Friday. “Over the years, police work is what I’ve seen and what I’ve grown up with. It’s what I’ve wanted to do.”
Committee Reports
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Chairman Ben Watson (R-Savannah) and the Health and Human Services Committee took up one proposal, SB 116, authored by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula). The legislation seeks to enact in Chapter 5 of Title 49 the “Maternity Supportive Housing Act.” The legislation would allow nonprofits to own and operate housing for women who are ages 18 and older and who need a place to live while pregnant and for up to 18 months after the child is born; pregnant women can bring their existing children to these homes. These facilities would be different than homes provided to younger girls (typically those in foster care who become pregnant). Senator Robertson noted that it was to exclude government interference; there is a need for these homes as waiting lists exist. Senator Robertson reminded the Committee as a former law enforcement officer he knew well the pipeline to prison and this would perhaps help alleviate some of this