Det. Lisa Mitchell: I have always had an interest in solving puzzles as it relates to the “who done it”. During college for Criminal Justice I did an internship with the Thomasville Police Department and after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1998 decided to apply for police officer. In 1999 I began working as a patrol officer with the agency. In 2005 an opportunity came up for officers that were interested in crime scenes to become certified crime scene techs. Over the course of eight months I completed the three hundred plus hours of course work and obtained crime scene certification. Upon completion I became part of the crime scene unit. I have taken numerous advanced crime scene classes over the years. Another major interest for me is diving. I obtained my dive certification in 1997 while attending college. In 1999 our agency started a mentoring program and paired kids with officers to allow the children and other officers the opportunity to learn to dive. I participated and was paired up with a female that years later joined our agency and has continued her career in law enforcement including becoming a member of our dive team. The dive team was developed in 2001 and over the course of a few years I was able to obtain my master dive certification. In 2007 I became the commanding officer of the Thomasville Thomas County Dive Team. To further enhance my dive career I obtained my Dive Instructor Certification in 2012. I have since taught some of the classes required for law enforcement divers. I am also a General Instructor with the State of Georgia and, a forensics computer/cell phone examiner with the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force. I was recently awarded the “Top Forensic Examiner” for NCFI/USSS award for 2016 and 2018. In addition, I am part of several professional memberships that include the Georgia Division of the International Association for Identification, and Special Deputized U.S. Marshal. I have and continue to enjoy being part of a great organization which provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and opportunities to better serve the community through proactive partnerships. Detective Joey Blackburn began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office where he served in several capacities such as, Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, Crime Scene Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, Criminal Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, & Patrol Lieutenant. In April 2007, Detective Blackburn joined the Thomasville Police Department. While with this department, Detective Blackburn has accomplished the following; Patrolman, Certified Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigator, Certified Crime Scene Technician, General Instructor, & Driving Instructor, and a member of the GBI Crimes Against Children Task Force. Educational Background Associates Degree at Thomas University, and also completed the Police Management Program with Columbus State University.
Rotary Club of Thomasville
The Plaza Restaurant
217 South Broad Street
Thomasville, GA 31792