The Statesboro Police Foundation is accepting donations for Statesboro Police Department (SPD) Advanced Patrol Officer (APO) Joey DeLoach and his family. APO Deloach is hospitalized at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah recovering from being shot in the line of duty on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
"I believe the entire Community is disheartened by the events surrounding the shooting of Officer Joey DeLoach. Officer DeLoach is an outstanding officer with a beautiful spirit that is loved by many in this community," said Jonathan McCollar, Mayor of Statesboro. "The City of Statesboro and its community stands behind office of DeLoach and his family as they navigate this difficult moment. With the capture of the suspect in this heinous act, there is no doubt that we will see Justice for Officer DeLoach."
Immediately after learning about Officer Deloach's injuries, Stan York, former Statesboro Chief of Police and current president of the Statesboro Police Foundation created a fund with the Statesboro Police Foundation to accept contributions to support APO Deloach and his Family.
York, Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead, and Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar have been touched by the outpouring of love and support for APO Deloach and the entire department. Creating this fund will allow APO Deloach and his family to cover any non-medical expenses incurred while he his hospitalized and recovering.
If you are interested in donating to help Officer DeLoach and his family please visit the Statesboro Police Foundation website at www.statesboropolice.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page, and hit the donate button or checks can be made out to the Statesboro Police Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 2948, Statesboro, GA 30459.
"We are incredibly grateful to the huge outpouring of support for Officer DeLoach. I have taken calls and texts from Governor Kemp, Mayor Jonathan McCollar, Sheriff Noel Brown, Chairman Roy Thompson, Director Chris Hosey (GBI), Colonel Billy Hitchens (GSP), Superintendent Charles Wilson (BOE), Don Poe (FTB & Bulloch VOAD) and many others," said Mike Broadhead, Statesboro Police Chief.
"I’m proud of our Foundation for immediately stepping in to provide financial assistance to Officer DeLoach’s family to offset the cost of fuel and meals travel long back and forth to the hospital. I’d again like to thank all of our officers and dispatchers for their professionalism, for the help of GSU PD, Sheriff Noel Brown and BCSO Deputies and GSP. The ED staff at EGRMC was fantastic as was Air Evac Medical Helicopter and the skilled surgeons and staff at Memorial. I’m sorry if I left anyone off, we have been receiving tons of calls, so to all who have reached out or simply took a moment to pray for Joey and his family, thank you!"
Meritorious Service Awards
APO Deloach is a decorated member of the Statesboro Police Department. He is known for his heroism and commitment to the citizens of Statesboro.
APO DeLoach received the Meritorious Service Award in 2022 for locating a suspect who had abducted a child in South Carolina.
APO DeLoach was actively searching for the subject who was described as "armed and dangerous" and wearing body armor who had abducted a child and led the police in South Carolina on a pursuit. APO DeLoach located the subject and took him into custody.
APO DeLoach received a second Meritorious Service Award in 2023 for his response to the area of Johnson Street and Spruce Street for reported "shots fired." Upon arrival, officers observed dozens of people fleeing in cars, and many more fleeing the area on foot. Gunshots were audible as officers arrived, and officers could observe muzzle flashes in multiple directions. It was later determined that at least 5 different shooters fired more than 100 rounds during a street party.
Community service
On a personal note, I along with members of the Grice Connect team, have witnessed Officer DeLoach in action in our community coming to the aid of so many in our community on countless occasions. He steps up and steps in for strangers often in their greatest time of need.
Where we have really seen him at his best, is his selfless service to our community during monthly Feed the Boro Food Drops at SHS. Officer DeLoach, along with fellow officers, come in early on a day off to help assist with traffic flow and crowd control at these drops. We have witnessed his compassion for others over and over again at these incredible community events.
It is our turn now as a community to step in for Officer DeLoach when he and his family need us the most.
