BRASELTON, GA (November 8, 2023) — The West Jackson Fire District and its elected officials are honored to announce the dedicatory Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall Preparedness Grant—a public safety protection grant created to celebrate the life and dedication of the late Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall. The mission of “Lena’s Grant” is to better protect, strengthen and develop public safety personnel and their respective agencies.
Deputy Marshall suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call on November 5, 2021, and succumbed to her injuries three days later. The tragedy greatly impacted the Jackson County community and all responding public safety personnel, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Emergency Services and West Jackson Fire Department. Deputy Marshall was a friend to many, a strong and unwavering individual, and one who was admired by her peers and the community in which she served.
“With the support of WJFD’s elected officials, we have been working on the idea of this grant with Deputy Marshall’s family for some time now,” said Chief Ben Stephens. “Her family has been very gracious and supportive throughout this process, and we are honored to be able to present Deputy Marshall’s grant for the protection of our community’s public safety personnel.”
The grant will be need-based and eligible to all fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency services within Jackson County. Available grant funds may be utilized to assist with the cost of tactical gear, apparel, equipment and training. The program will begin to accept applications in summer 2024, with the first award recipients announced November 2024.
The need for this funding was discovered during quarterly meetings of Jackson County agencies, which West Jackson Fire Department began hosting in July 2022 to discuss planning, growth, safety and training needs.
“Through these agency discussions, it was discovered that there was a real need for appropriate tactical training, equipment, and above all, communication,” Stephens said. “This county-wide camaraderie has evolved into partnerships and strengthened leadership, and eventually led us to the development of the Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall Public Safety Preparedness Grant.”
For more information about the grant, please contact Chief Stephens.
The West Jackson Fire District was established in 1968 to provide fire protection for 30 square miles in western Jackson County, including portions of the cities of Braselton and Hoschton. The department’s two stations are staffed with full-time and part-time personnel, highly trained and ready to serve the community.
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