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TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - Two Tifton Police officers who were injured while serving their community were honored on Monday, Feb. 9, as the 2025 Officers of the Year by the Tifton Exchange Club.

Detective Michael Gaskins and Detective Jerry Fulford received the prestigious awards just over two months after sustaining injuries during a dangerous incident on Dec. 5, 2025.

On that December morning, both officers were shot while attempting to serve a search warrant at a residence near the 800 block of Lee Avenue in Tifton. The suspect barricaded themselves inside the home, leading to a standoff that drew a response from multiple surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Despite the severity of the incident, both officers were reported in stable condition following the shooting. Their families, along with community members, rallied to support their recovery through fundraising efforts.

Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman acknowledges that this award goes far deeper than the traumatic events of December.

“What truly qualifies them for Exchange Club Officer of the Year is not what happened to them on December 05, 2025, but who they revealed themselves to be when it matters most in our community and department,” Chief Hyman said.

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