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In recognition of this hard work and dedication in the L.E.A.D. Program, LaGrange Police Officer Bryant Mosley was recently honored as Georgia’s L.E.A.D. Instructor of the Year.

Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence, or L.E.A.D., is a program committed to protecting children and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug-related crimes, cyberbullying and violence. Mosley is among the specially-trained officers that deliver educational courses through the L.E.A.D. program in local elementary schools in Troup County.

According to a press release from the City of LaGrange, Mosley received the award in March at the national L.E.A.D. conference held in New Jersey. He was honored for his outstanding efforts in implementing the L.E.A.D. program benefitting the community and state in an exemplary fashion.

Mosley said it felt good to be recognized for his work in the L.E.A.D. program.

“I always feel good to be recognized for service, but I’m going do it regardless if I am recognized for it or not. I enjoy being of service to people and helping them because that’s how my mom raised me. She raised me to be selfless and humble. With those values instilled in me, I like having the ability to pass on knowledge and information so that we can make the next generation better,” Mosely said.

Mosley has been participating in the program since August 2022 and said he loves it.

“I like the signs that are evidence-based and shown to make improvements and gives an opportunity for connection between law enforcement and younger people to help stem that stigma that they can’t trust us or view us as a positive role model,” Mosely said. “I’m constantly working to instill trust, the right values and integrity to help mold them into young men and young women that are going to be productive citizens and productive leaders. It’s all about making the world better.”

He said during this time the program, seeing the progress students have made and the trust they have in him has been rewarding.

“The fifth graders that I’ve been teaching from Franklin Forest, Ethel Kight and Hollis Hand have slowly begun to have the ability to self-regulate their emotions and communicate how they feel that I am a trusted figure for them,” Mosely said.

“One of the biggest things was a second grader — she wasn’t even in the class — but she told me she no longer fears police or thinks she’s going to get hurt or that we’re going to do something to her. That stuck in my heart because I understand where that fear can come from, but it felt good to hear that it’s changing, and we can be trusted, especially in LaGrange.”

Mosley is the SRO for Ethel Kight Elementary School. From Mosley’s background as a licensed mental health counselor, he is often called upon to help with mental health incidents and interventions. He has been with the LaGrange Police Department since 2020 and is working to complete his doctorate of philosophy in psychology from Northcentral University to further himself as a mental health professional and as a police officer.