January 22, 2017 by Adrian Stubbs
On Monday, January 16,2017, members of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Reserve Branch supported the MLK Day activities, just as they have done since the early 1990s. Our members provided general security, crowd control and vehicular traffic control duties for many of the estimated 25,000 people between the King Center and parade route. Over the years, the crowd estimates have varied widely within a reported range from about 10,000 to about 100,000 people.
Just as the crowd strength has varied widely over the years, so has the weather on this day. Never-the-less, we have flawlessly performed our duties when the weather was either freezing, rainy or unseasonably warm. This year, the weather was at its best, it was warm and sunny.
This annual event has played host to many dignitaries, including two US Presidents, a Vice President, members of the US Congress and Senate and many Civil Rights leaders. Some of those leaders included Mrs. Coretta Scott King and family, John Lewis, Andrew Young, all Atlanta mayors since Maynard Jackson. Several celebrities like Kris Kristofferson, Ludacris and Usher have also taken part in this event.
This year’s activities closed without any reported major incidents. Again, our deputies lawfully and respectfully performed their duties as true professionals.