Cobb Public Safety Recognized at Annual Chamber Awards

COBB PUBLIC SAFETY HEROES HONORED AT 2025 AWARDS LUNCHEON

(October 6, 2025) - The Cobb Chamber honored Cobb County's finest Monday, October 6, during its annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon, presented by Marquee Sponsor Superior Plumbing, and Program Sponsors Cobb EMC and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The event kicked off Public Safety Appreciation Week, a community-wide effort to say "thank you" to the men and women who work tirelessly to keep Cobb County safe.

Tim Milligan, Cobb Chamber Public Safety Chairman & Chief of the Marietta Fire Department, as well as Lance LoRusso, LoRusso Law Firm, addressed the audience to share messages of appreciation and to communicate how our community can come together to lift up our public safety year-round. Following these messages, awards were presented to public safety agencies from across Cobb County, including police, fire, sheriff's office, campus police, and EMS.

Congratulations to our 2025 Public Safety Award winners:

Public Safety Employee of the Year
This award is given to an employee who has performed his or her job with exceptional skill, exhibited leadership and critical incident management and a devotion to their responsibilities.

Field Training Officer Stephen Abernathy, Cobb County Police Department

In January 2025, Field Training Officer Stephen Abernathy demonstrated outstanding initiative and investigative skill during two major incidents in Cobb County. Following the placement of an improvised explosive device at a local bank, FTO Abernathy-though not originally assigned to the call-proactively reviewed surveillance and identified a suspect vehicle. His timely response resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who was found with additional explosive materials. Later that month, FTO Abernathy responded to a homicide scene and again took initiative by canvassing local businesses for video footage. His efforts led to the identification of a suspect and provided investigators with a critical lead, resulting in an arrest. Beyond his investigative work, FTO Abernathy plays a vital role in mentoring the department's next generation as a Field Training Officer. He also serves as a senior member of the Cobb County Police Honor Guard, dedicating countless hours to representing the department at funerals and ceremonies with professionalism and compassion.

FTO Abernathy exemplifies the values of hard work, integrity, and leadership, and reflects great credit to Precinct Two and the Cobb County Police Department.

Award of Valor
The Award of Valor is one of the highest honors in public safety, recognizing extraordinary courage in the face of imminent danger. It is reserved for individuals who, without hesitation, place themselves at great personal risk to protect others and safeguard the community.

Officer Rahim Somani, Cobb County Police Department

On December 5, 2024, Officer Rahim Somani displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness while off duty. Driving home from his shift at Precinct 4, he came upon a multi-vehicle crash on I-285. One vehicle was already engulfed in flames, and a man was trapped inside-bleeding, disoriented, and pinned beneath the dashboard.

Recognizing the urgency, Officer Somani immediately sprang into action. With flames quickly approaching the victim, he forced the vehicle door open and climbed inside. Disregarding his own safety, he worked quickly to free the man's legs. Despite the intense heat and danger, Somani remained focused. After a brief struggle, he successfully extricated the injured driver-later found to have suffered broken legs-and carried him to safety.

Moments later, the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

Officer Somani's bravery and decisive action undoubtedly saved the man's life. His conduct reflects the highest ideals of law enforcement and public service. His heroic efforts that night serve as a powerful reminder of the selfless commitment officers make both on and off duty.

Congratulations to all who were recognized.