CHIEF HONORED
Gray Police Chief Adam Lowe was honored last week by the Boy Scouts of Central Georgia and the community he has served for almost three decades.
Lowe was presented the Golden Eagle Award by the Jones County Friends of Scouting at a reception in his honor Oct. 12 at Butler Hall.
Garrett Williams, director of the BSA Central Georgia Council, was the master of ceremonies for the event. He said The Golden Eagle Award is presented to leaders who are champions of community service and those who display scout qualities, including loyalty, trustworthiness and kindness.
The speaker noted that, in 2022, 6 percent of scouts earned the Eagle Award, and their Eagle projects contributed $1.2 million to communities and 600 hours of service.
“Scouting is alive and well in Jones County. Since 2000, over 40 young men have earned the rank of Eagle Scout,” he said.
Lowe was born and raised in Jones County and attended Jones County schools, graduating from Jones County High School in 1992.
After graduation, he worked on the loading dock of UPS and worked for a logging company.
His first job in law enforcement was with the Jones County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked his way up to sergeant before joining the Gray Police Department in 2003.
Lowe was appointed chief in 2006, which was the same year he married his wife, Chandra. Their combined family consists of one daughter, four sons and two beautiful grandchildren.
Gray Mayor Pro Tem James Collins spoke at the Oct. 12 event. He said the No. 1 reason he moved to Jones County with his wife and two young boys was safety.
“That doesn’t happen by accident. Adam puts in the work every day and leads with an emphasis on community-oriented policies. That’s important to have in our police chief,” he said.
Collins said he values the friendship he has formed with the chief since his involvement with the city.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do in the community,” he said.
Councilman David Tufts presented the award to Lowe.
“It’s an honor to stand here on this occasion. Gray is blessed to have Adam Lowe,” he said. “I served on the committee to appoint the chief.”
Tufts said he had heard about Lowe but did not know him personally at the time.
“It’s been a pleasure to get to know him. He’s shown us the right way to be a police chief by leading in the community and being a family man,” he said.
The councilman said Lowe’s love for people in the community is evident.
“It takes that to be a leader in law enforcement,” he said. “I go to sleep at night knowing everything is going to be alright.”
Tufts said everyone wants to move to Gray because it is quiet and safe, and the chief is a big reason for that.
“I appreciate the hard work you have done. It’s a pleasure to see you get this award tonight,” he said.
Lowe thanked everyone responsible for the event, which was also fundraiser for the Boy Scouts.
“The money will be well used. I’m not comfortable with awards, but I certainly appreciate family,” he said.
The chief said he tells his officers to treat people like they treat their family.
“I am truly blessed. I have a dream job and great bosses. I enjoy going to work every day,” he said. “I love the people here and don’t plan to ever leave.”
