Deal taps Bearden for director of Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Gov. Nathan Deal has named Rep. Tim Bearden of Villa Rica as his choice for director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.  Upon approval by the Georgia Board of Public Safety, Bearden would replace Dale Mann, who is retiring from the post after more than 25 years of service, and take office effective Nov.1.

“With over 25 plus years in state government, I commend Dale for his loyal service to public safety and the state of Georgia,” Deal said. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment and dedication.  I am confident that Rep. Bearden will be a strong leader, able to build on the solid foundation in place at the training center.”
Under the direction of the Georgia Board of Public Safety, the GPSTC is a comprehensive training complex for use by all state and local public safety related units of government within the state of Georgia. It is responsible for the development, delivery and facilitation of training that results in professional and competent public safety services for the people of Georgia.
The facility is designed to service an average daily student population of 500. The following agencies and/or training units are permanently housed at the Training Center: Georgia Corrections Academy, the training units of the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Department of Natural Resources, State Board of Pardons and Parole, the Department Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. In addition, the Georgia Firefighter Standards & Training Council is located on site.
Rep. Tim Bearden, Villa Rica
A small business owner representing parts of Carroll and Douglas Counties, Bearden was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004. He is chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee as well as a member of the Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Motor Vehicles, Regulated Industries and Rules Committees.
Bearden began his career in law enforcement as a patrolman in Villa Rica in 1990. He was later named sergeant of the Motorcycle Division of the Douglasville Police Department, earning the honor of Officer of the Year in 2003. During his tenure in the Motorcycle Division, Bearden participated in undercover narcotics operations and drug interdictions. He completed more than 1000 hours of law enforcement training before stepping down in 2004 and attended Mercer University.
Bearden is a past member on the board of directors of Fairfield Plantation and also served in the U.S. Air Force. Bearden and his wife, Triska, have one son and one daughter. They reside in Villa Rica.