Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura recognized as chief of the year in Georgia

Brookhaven, Ga July 21, 2020— Today, Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura was recognized as the 2020 “Outstanding Chief of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).

“Chief Yandura is one of Brookhaven’s pioneering leaders. Through his leadership, the Brookhaven Police Department has become a model for other jurisdictions to follow,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst, “Chief Yandura has accomplished many feats in his career, but what I admire most about his character is that he is always striving to stay ahead of the curve, embracing the latest technological advances and social best practices which has earned the trust of residents throughout Brookhaven.”

Since Yandura was appointed as Brookhaven Police Department’s (BPD) first chief in April 2013 following a nationwide search, Brookhaven has twice been recognized as the safest city in DeKalb County by Safe Home (2016 and 2017).

“Chief Yandura has had a very distinguished career.  I believe he is a prime catalyst in the successful launching of the City of Brookhaven,” said City Manager Christian Sigman.  

Since 2013 BPD has integrated cutting-edge technologies into their work, such as a License Plate Reader (LPR) camera system that allows officers to identify suspects and wanted persons on the road and FARO, a crime scene mapping tool that enables investigators to do their job more efficiently. In 2019, BPD recovered stolen vehicles worth $649,448 using the LPR program.

Other great achievements by BPD include receiving the $64,000 Pedestrian Safety Grant by GOHS. The Pedestrian Safety Officer (PSO) position created by this grant is responsible for pedestrian and vehicular traffic enforcement, as well as, a community educational component.

In addition to Yandura’s exceptional leadership within the BPD, he is actively involved and committed to the Brookhaven community. He has overseen the creation and success of the Citizen’s Police Academy offered in both English and Spanish; Citizens on Patrol; Police Explorers, a drug take-back program; and Shop with a Badge program funded through the annual Hot Pursuit Glow Run. Along with community engagement, Yandura has overseen environmental preservation efforts of the Sustainable Brookhaven initiative by purchasing electric and hybrid patrol vehicles. 

“Chief Yandura is a tremendous example of what it means to be a Chief of Police,” said Deputy Chief of Police Brandon Gurley, who nominated Yandura for the award. “His attitude of servant leadership is apparent each time he greets his officers by first name, typically asking about some aspect of their personal life; and during every critical incident – when he can be found at the scene, geared up and ready to help.” 

When Yandura is not at work he can be found volunteering his time with the Georgia Chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness as a member of the Board of Directors. He is a 2017 recipient of the NAMI Leadership Award for his extraordinary efforts in advancing the initiatives of NAMI.

“I am humbled to be recognized in this manner and honored to work with the men and woman of the Brookhaven Police Department who are so dedicated to the safety and well-being of Brookhaven,” said Yandura. 

Yandura has worked in law enforcement for more than 45 years and previously served as chief of police in Hiram and College Park. During his tenure in College Park, he managed 160 officers and a $12 million annual budget. He is credited with reducing crime by 30 percent during his first four years as College Park’s chief. He has also served on several boards with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and International Chiefs of Police Association and the Georgia State Senate Subcommittee regarding Child Exploitation.

He is a graduate of the FBI Academy and certified by the Georgia Police Officers Standards and Training Council. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois.