Police Benevolent Association of Georgia recognizes member for his accomplishments as a decorated runner
Oct 1, 2012
The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia would like to recognize PBAGA member, Deputy Sheriff Jarvis T. Braxton for his accomplishments at the 2012 United States of America Police and Fire Games in San Diego, California on June 21 through June 23. At the 2012 United States of America Police and Fire Games, Officer Jarvis T. Braxton received a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay and a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay. He also won a silver medal in the 400-meter run, silver medal in the long jump and a bronze medal in the 200-meter run for CCSO in the age-group of 21-29. Braxton has run competitively all over the United States including: New York, Texas, Florida and California.
“I started running in middle school and I continued through high school. I took a break from running in college to focus on school, but being in law enforcement has inspired me to start working out and running again,” said Officer Jarvis Braxton.
Deputy Sheriff Jarvis Braxton studied at Valdosta State University and earned a degree in sociology. Shortly after he received his degree, he started his law enforcement career in November 2011 as a correctional officer. He is now employed by the Clayton County Sherriff’s Office, and currently holds the position of Deputy Sheriff for the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
Braxton recently joined the PBA of Georgia in March 2012, because he heard great things about the organization.
“I’m still learning more and more about the PBA every day, but I initially joined because I knew they protected officers and I know of the PBA helping out a lot of officers that I have talked to,” said Officer Jarvis Braxton.
Officer Braxton had the opportunity to compete alongside his older brother Officer Derek L. Braxton of the Tallahassee Police Department. Officer Derek L. Braxton has worked for the Tallahassee Police Department since 2006 and holds a degree in criminal justice from Valdosta State University. Officer Derek L. Braxton brought home the silver medal in the 100-meter and the silver medal in the 200-meter run for the age group of 30-35.
Overall, the brothers were very successful in their competitions. Because of their accomplishments, both brothers qualified to represent their departments in the 2012 World Police and Fire Games in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 1st through August 10th of 2013. The World Police & Fire Games are open to police officers, sheriff deputies, correctional officers, and firefighters who serve in their communities all over the world. There will be approximately 15,000 competitors representing over 250 different agencies and 70 different countries throughout the world. This will not be their first trip overseas, but it will be their first trip overseas as competitors. They are originally from Germany.
“This is a really big honor. No one from the Metro Atlanta area is competing, except for me. I am thankful for the support of my department. They sponsor me and help make all of this possible. They help me with travel, uniforms and lodging,” said Officer Jarvis Braxton.
Also, the Braxton brothers were invited by the USAPFG coordinator to compete in the 1st Annual 2012 First Responders Games in Tampa, Florida on September 29-30. They will be competing in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter run, 4x100 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay and long jump.
Officer Jarvis T. Braxton doesn’t just see running as a competition. To him, being physically fit and able to run is a very important in police work.
“I am 48 years old and what I see every day is that the criminals are getting younger and the police officers are getting older. I’m trying to keep up every day just to be able to handle anybody and any situation. Being in good physical shape could help you save someone’s life, it could be yours or it could be your partner’s. My goal is to get home to my family at the end of every day, and if taking some extra time after a full day’s work to work out and stay physically fit allows me to do that, then I will gladly to it all again the next day,” said Officer Jarvis Braxton.
The Southern States Police Benevolent Association and The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia congratulate the Braxton brothers on their athletic successes and consider them an inspiration to all law enforcement officers.
Georgia Division
