AG Moody Recognizes Altha Police Chief

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today presented a Back the Blue Award to Altha Police Chief James Baggett for tirelessly supporting his community after the destruction of Hurricane Michael. Chief Baggett has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Altha recover after Hurricane Michael came barreling through last Fall. Chief Baggett has taken over municipal jobs to fulfill the needs of the community. In addition to his already demanding job as chief of police, he collects trash by driving the town’s garbage route two days a week, acts as school crossing guard, delivers gas to retirees out in the country, helps with home repairs and much more.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Chief James Baggett’s remarkable commitment to his community is admirable. I am honored to visit the town of Altha and see his efforts first-hand. His dogged determination to make his beloved community whole again is praiseworthy and he is an ideal recipient for Back the Blue. Thank you, Chief Baggett for your exemplary and selfless service.”

Attorney General Moody today traveled to Altha to present Chief Baggett a Back the Blue Award and delivered lunch to the police station, which is staffed by Chief Baggett and his assistant.

The town of Altha, population 536, is still severely marked from Hurricane Michael. Chief Baggett’s whatever-it-takes approach to law enforcement is inspiring. He forwards all police calls to his cellphone so that he can continue to provide assistance whenever it is needed. Chief Baggett even stepped up to help with additional municipal duties when the mayor of Altha resigned. Chief Baggett is also helping gather information for FEMA to get estimates of damages throughout the community, including the Altha branch library, the community center and a gym roof at a local school.

For more information about the Attorney General’s Back the Blue Award, click here.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.