The Braselton Police Department is teaming up with other North Georgia county’s public safety personnel to hold drive-by parades in their local subdivisions.
Last week, the department worked with Jackson County and Barrow County personnel to include vehicles from the both the police and sheriff’s departments, as well as ambulances and fire trucks from the fire departments in two separate parades. The parades drove around local subdivisions within the counties for the residents’ enjoyment.
Each parade has started at 1 p.m. and will start at the same time for the parades to come. According to Braselton Police Chief Terry Esco, there are parades planned for Hall County subdivisions on Monday, April 13th and Gwinnett County subdivisions on Wednesday, April 15th.
Esco explained that the idea originated with West Jackson Fire Chief Ben Stephens and Braselton Police Major Michael Steffman.
“They thought that would be something to do for the kids because they have been stuck at home for a while,” said Esco.
Esco said Stephens and Steffman decided they would have parades in as many counties in the area as they could and with as many vehicles as they could. Some residents have joined the parades in their older-model cars, as well.
Esco said what makes the parades so enjoyable is the reaction from the community so far.
“It was very, very impressive. There were so many kids out with their flags and adults also, so we were very happy to see the turnout we got,” said Esco.
Esco said the reaction for the community benefits the county personnel, as well.
“It’s just been very, very tough with everybody having to shelter in and us being limited to what we can do,” said Esco. “But it’s very heartwarming…I get a good feeling to see all of them with their flags and stuff.”
More information about each of the parades and their locations can be found on the City of Braselton’s website at Braselton.net and on the Facebook page Work, Live and Play in Braselton, Georgia.
