FORT STEWART, Ga. - Local and Georgia State Law Enforcement were involved in a close pursuit May 17 at Hunter Army Airfield, as participants vied for title championships during the 3rd Annual Law Enforcement/First Responder Golf Outing.
More than 15 teams from around Georgia responded to Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfields' Directorate of Emergency Services request for participation in their sponsored golf tournament.
Among the participants were representatives from The Department of Homeland Security, Georgia State Patrol, Savannah Police, Tybee Island Police, Liberty and Long County law enforcement.
Stewart-Hunter DES director Julie Herman welcomed participants to the event, noting that this year's tournament was to benefit the Combined Federal Campaign and Special Olympics; and to honor Fallen officers during National Law Enforcement Week. With that thought in mind, event organizer James Hackney, led participants in a moment of silence.
Demonstrating their support for first responders, sponsors contributed with prize packages for the top three four-person teams, the longest drive, and closest to pin; lunch, and refreshments for all participants.
Vaden Nissan, Nalley GMC in Brunswick, and JC Lewis Ford also provided opportunities for participants to earn a Nissan Altima, GMC Sierra, and a Ford F150, respectively as hole-in-one prizes.
Although no one took any of the three vehicles home, Georgia State Patrolman William Bowman nearly did, following a 165-yard drive on a par 3 at hole-8.
"I almost won the Altmina," Bowman said with a smile. He said after he took his shot it looked pretty accurate. Everyone became excited; but the shot passed right over the hole, setting up an easy tip in for birdie. "I was just about to reach for the keys," Bowman joked.
"But this is still a great event," Bowman said, noting that he has participated in the outing for the past two years. He said events like the Law Enforcement Golf Outing help promote strong bonds by getting to know your counterparts, sharing ideas, and improving interoffice communications.
But just because the tournament was friendly, didn't mean the competition wasn't fierce. The top three four-person teams emerged with only three points separating victor from third place.
The tournament champions, from Brunswick, were Fred Spigner, Aaron Sietz, Spencer Bartlett and Britt Gilmore who scored 54, 18 under the 72 par-course.
Finishing second with a score of 17 under par, was Fort Stewart's own, DES Police Chief Bart Knoch, Master Sgt. Rodney Hargus, Master Sgt. Robert Shaul, and Terry Middleton.
Third place was earned by Georgia State Patrol by Troopers Bowman, Andy, Kimbell and Balance with a score of 15 under par.
The longest drive was won by Annette Macy, and Toby Howard won closest to pin.
To learn more about golf, or other recreation activities on Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, visit the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Web site at www.stewartmwr.com.
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