Douglas Co. Pushes for Specialty Plates for Fallen Officers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Matthews is hoping his push for specialty license plates for fallen officers make their way through the legislature next year.  After learning eight other states had specialty license plates honoring fallen officers, Deputy Matthews took charge and started a petition.

"They are simply going to work, and they are losing their lives," said Deputy Matthews. "I think it is important as citizens of the state of Georgia to honor their lives."

State Representative Micah Gravely plans to introduce the bill in January.

"Members of my family were affected greatly by the loss of Trooper LeCroy, and it's something that put in to perspective the danger and their sacrifices," said State Rep. Gravely, when speaking about law enforcement officers.  "They are just going to work to protect us and our quality of life."

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office shared the idea on social media, and in less than two weeks, it has reached tens of thousands of people. In addition to social media, Deputy Matthews is reaching out to sheriffs and police chiefs throughout the state.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office lost one of their own in 2005. For Deputy Matthews, this license plate is a way people can remember the sacrifices officers make.

"I have been to many law enforcement funerals, and people that I did not know personally, and I have been devastated by it," said Deputy Matthews.  

Deputy Matthews hopes with the added fees associated with personalized tags, they will be able to donate the proceeds to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington D.C., and also help the families of fallen officers.

The petition cannot be signed online.  It can be downloaded and mailed to the Sheriff's Office from their website.  For information, click on this link:  http://sheriff.douglas.ga.us/petition.html