Mableton appoints first public safety director as city moves toward its own police department

MABLETON, Ga. — The City of Mableton has appointed its first public safety director as the city moves closer to establishing its own police department. The Mableton City Council voted Wednesday night to appoint Chief Kerry Stallings, who most recently oversaw security for the University System of Georgia. Mayor Michael Owens praised Stallings during the meeting, calling him “a rockstar” and saying he believes Stallings will serve the city well. Owens said the city conducted a national search before selecting Stallings. “We’ve been very diligent about this,” Owens said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Mableton currently has a one-year agreement with Cobb County for police services. The city plans to use a transition period as it prepares to take over policing responsibilities. The city’s contract with Cobb County ends May 31, 2027, which is also when Mableton expects to have its police department fully operational. Stallings will serve as both public safety director and emergency management director. Owens said the combined responsibilities are important because of the risks and infrastructure within Mableton. “We have a flight path runs right through Mableton. We have a major interstate. We have a major river. We have industrial sites throughout the city,” Owens said. “We have to make sure we are prepared not just from a police sense, but from an Emergency Management and quality of life overall.” Stallings said he is ready to get to work. The move…

Read the full story at wsbtv.com →