VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award.
Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe.
When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond.
Now, it’s our turn to put them first.
In partnership with Wettermark Keith, News 12 is proud to spotlight these courageous men and women, and this month, the community has nominated Lieutenant Justin Small with the Varnell Police Department.
“That’s awesome,” Lt. Small said with a smile after hearing the news.
Lt. Small’s path into law enforcement was driven by a desire to change perceptions.
“I chose the career because there’s a lot of negative concepts about police officers and law enforcement officers,” he said. “What I wanted to do was actually bridge that gap and show a very positive relationship with the community and with law enforcement—and what it really can be.”
He now serves as a K-9 handler, a role he earned after starting as a patrol deputy in Whitfield County.
“I did that for about two years, utilized my post-9/11 GI Bill, and I was able to go through a program to get my canine and my canine handler certification,” Lt. Small said. “I was able to obtain Canine Kid, who was a German shepherd, about four years ago. And when it’s time to go to business and it’s time to do work, he turns from a kid to a dog really, really quick and knows what to do. Same as me, as I’ve been told as well.”
Outside of his badge, Lt. Small is a devoted husband and father of three—Sawyer, Paisley, and Lincoln.
He credits his wife, Charlie, for her patience during the unpredictable hours his job demands.
“It is very, very stressful times, and God bless them and the stuff they have to put in for me when I get a call out at 2 o’clock in the morning, and just the patience they do have with me—especially my wife,” he said. “I know it is really stressful on her, especially having to worry about me as much as she does.”
The dangers of the profession are never far from his family’s mind.
“It’s not the safest of careers, so every time I go out, unfortunately, she might get that call that something’s going on—which has happened in the past,” Lt. Small explained. “I didn’t get in this career for this. I got in this career to make a positive influence, not for the gloat and the praise that comes with it from time to time.”
In the community, Lt. Small is known by a nickname— “Barbie”—a playful nod to his pink handcuffs, which became a tradition after career day visits to local schools.
“It is really gratifying to me when I’m somewhere and somebody sees me— ‘Hey, Barbie, what’s going on?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, hey, Shelby, hey, Angel, what’s going on?’” he said. “That’s been the best thing about being in a smaller community. I can take care of my community, helping develop them for beyond.”
From the man who says he never sought recognition, the gratitude is heartfelt.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am extremely grateful that you did decide to recognize me for this,” Lt. Small said. “But I couldn’t do it without you guys, regardless.”
