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Public Safety Day to be held Saturday
Fun for the entire family
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Staff Report
Published: Nov 13, 2009, 3:52 PM
The City of Porterdale is hosting a Public Safety Day tomorrow, Nov. 14, at 2021 Main Street (Memorial Alley). The day will consist of police and fire demonstrations, face painting, fingerprint kits, food provided by Burnies Bar-B-Q (at a discounted rate), the community outreach program will be on hand as will a deputy from the Newton County Sheriff's Office C.H.A.M.P.S. program. There will also be giveaways and games for the kids.

The event will start at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. A MADD (Mothers Against Drunken Drivers) representative will be available to answer questions. For further details contact Sgt. J. Cripps at the Porterdale Police Department (770) 231-2843.

The safety day is a collaborative effort with the NCSO, and Porterdale's police and fire departments.

Eric Russell announces candidacy for Porterdale City Council Post 1
Eric Russell
Eric Russell - photo by Special Photo
Special to The News
Updated: Aug 15, 2023, 6:12 PM
Published: Aug 15, 2023, 8:53 PM

PORTERDALE, Ga. – Eric Russell, resident of Porterdale, officially declared his candidacy for the position of Post 1 with the city council of Porterdale.  He and his wife moved to Porterdale and purchased one of the mill houses within Porterdale’s Historic District in 2022. He stated, “We loved the charm and character of not only the houses, but also the history behind what Porterdale had been, along with the possibility of what the village could become.

I retired from law enforcement after 27 years and have always felt called toward public service.  I saw running for city council as a way to continue that service in the community, albeit in a much different role.”  Russell had begun a career in law enforcement in 1988 and had served in numerous areas within the Wichita Falls Police Department in Texas, including being a Crimes Against Persons detective as well as being promoted through the ranks of the department until retiring in 2015 as the Captain over the Patrol Division.

“I had been tasked with the implementation of the in-car computer system for the department prior to retirement and am proud of having successfully helped bring that department into the modern age of policing through the use of a computerized dispatching and report writing system.”  Russell also said, “I feel I have skills within the area of long term logistical planning that can be beneficial for the village of Porterdale in order to help continue to move toward a future that will reflect growth as well as keeping the nuances of the past that were formed by having the mill here in the community.”  

Russell stated that his vision would be to promote progress, preservation and prosperity here within the village while maintaining a sound fiscal position. 

“I have talked to many people and asked a lot of questions especially given the past legacies of the village.  I have attended almost every council meeting, including the annual planning retreat in order to become aware of as much information as possible before deciding to run for a council post.  I believe that civic duty calls for dedication and the donation of personal time in order to make a difference in people’s lives.”