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During the LaGrange City Council meeting on Tuesday, the city recognized two longtime police department employees for a combined 65 years of service.

Major Andree Robinson was recognized for a staggering 40 years of service and Lt. Jeremy Jones was recognized for 25 years of service.

Major Andree Robinson came to LaGrange in the fall of 1981 from Washington, DC to attend LaGrange College. While in school she took an internship with the LaGrange Police Department. That internship led her to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Robinson officially joined LPD in August 1984 following her graduation from LaGrange College. 

During her 40 years with the police department, she has served as a patrol officer, a detective, a shift sergeant, a lieutenant, a captain and now a major.

Robinson transferred to the records section in 2001 where her leadership and organizational skills saw her promoted to lieutenant and captain over records and administration.

Robinson was promoted to major in May of 2023 and she continues to serve the department and our community with excellence and professionalism. 

“We’re proud of her work ethic, representation of our profession, and most of all, her friendship. We wish to express our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation for Major Andre Robinson, 40 years of service,” said Mayor Jim Arrington.

Police Chief Garrett Fiveash said Robinson’s work ethic is one of her best qualities.

“Work ethic is a big thing. You can’t teach that. You either have that or you don’t. You can encourage it and you can embrace it. But if it’s not there, it’s just not there,” Fiveash said. “I appreciate her work and her friendship.”

Lt. Jeremy Jones was also recognized for his 25 years of service. The city had planned to recognize him at the previous council meeting but Jones ended up having to work an hours-long police stand-off on Norwood Drive.

Jones was born and raised in LaGrange. He is a father to five children and has been married to his wife, Janet for 16 years. 

Jones graduated from LaGrange High School in 1994 and joined the United States Army, where he served active duty through 1998.

In 1999, Jones was hired by LPD and was assigned to the patrol division until 2001 when he became the D.A.R.E. officer for the department, teaching elementary school students about avoiding drugs and violence.

In 2003 Jones was promoted to the rank of detective, working criminal investigations until 2009 when he was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the Army National Guard.

When Jones returned to LPD, he continued as a detective until 2020 when he was promoted to sergeant in the patrol division. 

In 2024, Jones was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, supervising shifts for the patrol division.

“We’d like to congratulate Lt. Jones for 25 years of selfless service to LaGrange Police Department and the citizens of LaGrange,” Arrington said.

“I’ve known Jeremy for about 21 of his 25 years … Jeremy and I have worked together for a long time, and I don’t know anybody with a better work ethic. We’ve seen some horrible things together, and we’ve had some good times too. I count myself lucky to have him as a co-worker, as a friend, and as a brother. I am so proud of you,” said Cap. Robert Kirby.