Courtney Gale sworn-in as chief of police in Thomson

Thomson Police Chief Courtney Gale is administered the oath of her office by McDuffie County Superior Court Chief Judge Harold Hinesley

By Joe Johnson

Veteran Athens police officer Courtney Gale on Monday was sworn-in as chief of the Thomson Police Department in McDuffie County.

Gale worked for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department from 1998 to 2017, and with the University of Georgia Police Department until she was hired by the Thomson Police Department last month.

During a swearing-in ceremony Monday, Gale was administered the oath of office by McDuffie County Superior Court Chief Judge Harold Hinesley. She placed her left hand on a Bible that was held by Kevin Daniel, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church of Watkinsville, where Gale is a congregant.

Newly sworn-in Thomson Police Chief Courtney Gale is flanked by the city's mayor and board of commission members

Although her first official day on her new job is not until July 26, she has been spending time in Thomson, getting to know its residents and police officers.

“I want to be able to hit the road running,” she said. "Thomson has been a very welcoming city, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community."

Gale said when she finds a place to live in Thomson, she will continue to maintain her residence in Oconee County.