10/15/2026
Dougherty County Honors Deputy Katarrion Harris for Heroism
The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation and a plaque bearing the Life-Saving Award of Heroism to Dougherty County Sheriff's Office Deputy Katarrion Harris on Thursday, Oct. 15, recognizing his heroic actions during the Oct. 10 shooting near the J. Lane Theater.
Family members, fellow law enforcement officers, county officials and employees gathered at the Government Center to honor Harris for his courage, quick thinking and commitment to protecting others during a dangerous situation.
Harris was working an authorized security assignment when gunfire erupted near the theater, where a large crowd of patrons, including college and high school students, had gathered. As the situation unfolded, Harris demonstrated courage and quick thinking by encouraging those around him to take cover, helping protect others from potential harm.
Dougherty County Commission Chairman Lorenzo L. Heard expressed appreciation for Harris and the many law enforcement officers whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.
“Many times, your name is not known. Many times, the service you give goes unrecognized, and the sacrifices you make are unseen. But I thank God for people who don't need their names to be known or their service to be recognized to continue giving their very best,” Heard said.
District 2 Commissioner Victor Edwards echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the important role law enforcement officers play in protecting the community.
“Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you continue to make for this community. You are the ones who help keep our community safe and make it possible for our families to live and thrive,” Edwards said.
Sheriff Teron Hayes delivered an emotional tribute, reflecting on the seriousness of the incident and expressing gratitude that Harris survived.
“To Deputy Harris, this is a celebration of service — it could have easily been a celebration of life,” Hayes said. “And I thank God that we're not celebrating life, but we're celebrating your service.”
Hayes also praised Harris for his courage and willingness to place the safety of others ahead of his own.
“You did your job, and you did above and beyond what a lot of other individuals would not do in that situation,” Hayes said.
District 3 Commissioner Clinton Johnson, who helped initiate the recognition following a conversation with Hayes, addressed the importance of understanding the full circumstances surrounding the incident rather than relying on incomplete information circulating on social media.
“This guy really did something heroic, and people
didn't understand what was taking place,” Johnson said. “They only took a snippet of something and made it bigger than it was.”
District 4 Commissioner Russell Gray reflected on the courage and character required to act decisively, even when others are watching.
“Character is defined by what you do when no one's looking,” Gray said. “I think we need to redefine that: Character is what you do when you know the world is watching, and you do it anyway.”
District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones emphasized the uncertainty law enforcement officers face each day and the significance of Harris' actions.
“There's a hero that lies in all of us,” Jones said. “You leave home in the morning; you don't know whether you're going to return or not. What you did, you got citizens back home, and that's big.”
A Commitment to Service Beyond the Badge
Harris graduated from the law enforcement academy in 2024 and previously received a Valor Award on Oct. 10, 2025, recognizing his commitment to public safety.
His latest recognition followed exactly one year after that award.
Beyond his responsibilities in law enforcement, Harris is a devoted father and a man of faith who became a deacon in 2026. His commitment to service reflects values that extend beyond his professional responsibilities and into his family, church and community.
Through the proclamation and presentation of the Life-Saving Award of Heroism plaque, the Board of Commissioners recognized Harris for his bravery, selfless actions and dedication to protecting others.
The ceremony concluded with a standing salute to Harris and recognition of his family, pastor and fellow first responders.
