ATLANTA – State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome) and the Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Resolution 1654-legislation commending Rome Police Chief Hubert L. “Frog” Smith for 44 years of service to the City of Rome Police Department.
“Chief Smith is a home-grown boy who has spent his entire adult life serving the town in which he was raised,” said Representative Dempsey. “He has shown outstanding service to the community and to the police department. His credentials exceed most in the nation. When he leaves this position of leadership, there will be big shoes to fill.”
Chief Smith bravely served in the United States Air Force before beginning his career in law enforcement. He started as a patrolman with the City of Rome Police Department in 1966, rising to the rank of chief in 1991, which he still holds today.
He received many honors throughout his career, including the Police Chief of the Year award and the Special Service award given by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. This marked the first time in the 46 year history of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police that these awards were given to the same person in the same year.
“Chief Smith is a respected example of what every police chief should be,” added Representative Dempsey. “After four decades of steadfast work, I am proud to sponsor this resolution honoring him.”
Chief Smith is an active member and former president of the Noon Optimist Club, chairman of the Rome/Floyd Committee for Citizen’s with Disabilities, and a member of the Northwest Georgia Credit Union Board of Directors. He also served as the 2006-2007 president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Other sponsors of the legislation include Representative Barbara Reese (D-Menlo), Representative Rick Crawford (D-Cedartown) and Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville).
Editor’s note: A .jpg file of Chief Smith, Rep. Dempsey and Speaker Ralston in the House Chamber is attached.
# # #
Representative Katie Dempsey represents the citizens of District 13, which includes portions of Floyd County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman for Higher Education and Secretary for the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. She also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, and Rules Committees.