Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Groover was named the Georgia Elks Association Peace Officer of the Year at the group's recent annual meeting in Jekyll Island.
Groover earlier was selected as the Gainesville Elks Lodge Peace Officer of the Year and was nominated for the state honor by the Gainesville Lodge. He and his wife, Kristie, were guests of the state association in Jekyll Island, where he was presented with two plaques attesting to the state honor, $500 and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver.
Groover, a member of the Hall County Sheriff's Office S.W.A.T. team, was shot while providing cover for fellow officers in a March 11, 2008, operation near Lula Elementary School when an armed man opened fire on the officers. He sustained injury to his right arm and hand.
American Legion Eugene Brown Post 521 received a Recognition of Post Excellence Award from the American Legion for membership.
Cub Scout Pack 151 of Flowery Branch recently marched in this year’s Memorial Day parade in Gainesville.