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Tifton Today
By the People, for the People
Tifton Officers Honored as Officers of the Year After Recovery from Line of Duty Injuries
Detective Michael Gaskins and Detective Jerry Fulford recognized for their service and resilience.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Two Tifton Police officers, Detective Michael Gaskins and Detective Jerry Fulford, were honored as the 2025 Officers of the Year by the Tifton Exchange Club. The officers were recognized for their service and resilience after sustaining injuries during a dangerous incident on December 5, 2025, while attempting to serve a search warrant.
Why it matters
This award highlights the bravery and dedication of these officers, who continued to serve their community despite facing life-threatening injuries. It also showcases the support the officers received from their families and the local community during their recovery.
The details
On December 5, 2025, Detectives Gaskins and Fulford were shot while attempting to serve a search warrant at a residence near the 800 block of Lee Avenue in Tifton. The suspect barricaded themselves inside the home, leading to a standoff that drew a response from multiple surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Despite the severity of the incident, both officers were reported in stable condition following the shooting, and their families and the community rallied to support their recovery through fundraising efforts.
- On December 5, 2025, Detectives Gaskins and Fulford were shot while attempting to serve a search warrant.
- On February 9, 2026, the officers were honored as the 2025 Officers of the Year by the Tifton Exchange Club.
The players
Detective Michael Gaskins
A Tifton Police officer who was honored as the 2025 Officer of the Year by the Tifton Exchange Club after recovering from injuries sustained while serving a search warrant.
Detective Jerry Fulford
A Tifton Police officer who was honored as the 2025 Officer of the Year by the Tifton Exchange Club after recovering from injuries sustained while serving a search warrant.
Steve Hyman
The Tifton Police Chief, who acknowledged that the award for Detectives Gaskins and Fulford went far deeper than the traumatic events of December 2025.
What they’re saying
“What truly qualifies them for Exchange Club Officer of the Year is not what happened to them on December 05, 2025, but who they revealed themselves to be when it matters most in our community and department.”
— Steve Hyman, Tifton Police Chief (WALB)
The takeaway
This award recognizes the resilience and dedication of these Tifton police officers, who continued to serve their community despite facing life-threatening injuries. It also highlights the importance of community support and the role it plays in helping officers recover from traumatic incidents in the line of duty.
