The City of Douglas, Douglas Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and the Coffee County Commission are proud to announce the Marshals for the 53rd Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. Local law enforcement officers will represent their agencies as the Grand Marshals for the Parade which will begin at 6:30pm at the Coffee County Courthouse on December 3rd.
“Peace On Earth, the theme for this year’s parade, is the wish that many have for peace and unity of mankind throughout the world,” says Mayor Tony L. Paulk. “Our local law enforcement agencies were chosen because we need to show our appreciation and support of all their efforts in our community. It seems only be-fitting that since the parade theme is Peace on Earth that we honor law enforcement who serve and protect us.”
Representing the Douglas Police Department, Chief Gary Casteloes, has over 34 years in law enforcement. He began his work in law enforcement in 1982 with the Moultrie Police Department and worked up the ranks to Deputy or Assistant Chief. In 2009, he joined the City of Douglas as Chief of Police. Chief Casteloes has worked in every facet of law enforcement from Beat Officer and Narcotics to SWAT and Management. He currently holds several Georgia Police Officer certifications which include Specialized Law Enforcement and Executive Certification. Chief Casteloes is on several local boards and continues to give back to our community.
Sherriff Doyle Wooten will be riding representing the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department (CCSO). Sherriff Wooten, began his law enforcement career in 1975 with Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and retired with the State Probation Office in 2011. He assisted with creating the Victim’s Rights Group for Coffee County and this group was instrumental with creating the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center known as “Sadie’s House.” Sadie’s House provides services for children who have been victims of abuse and neglect. In 2012, Sheriff Wooten was elected as Sheriff of Coffee County and has recently been re-elected.
SFC Chad Woods with the Georgia State Patrol will be representing the Georgia State Patrol Post 36, located here in Douglas. He started his law enforcement career in 1992 with Ware County Sheriff’s Office. SFC Woods graduated the 76th Georgia State Patrol School and was assigned to Douglas as a Trooper. In his tenure with the Georgia State Patrol, he has been a Criminal Investigator, Assistant Post Commander in Tifton and Brunswick and Post Commander on Jekyll Island.
Representing Nicholls Police Department, will be Chief Jamie Merritt. Chief Merritt joined the CCSO in 2010 and knew he had found his calling. He quickly rose through the tanks of Corporal and Sgt. as jail officer before becoming a deputy and advancing to Road Patrol Sgt. In 2015, Merritt became one of the youngest police chiefs in the history of Coffee County. Since taking the position with the Nicholls Police Department, Merritt strives to ensure the department continues to move forward in providing a safe, drug free environment for families to prosper.
Police Chief Isaac Garcia will be representing the Broxton Police Department. He began his career in law enforcement in 2001 with the CCSO. He worked his way up the ranks to Detective while with the Sheriff’s Department. He began working with the Broxton Police Department on patrol in 2009. In late 2010, Mr. Garcia was promoted to Chief of Police.
Registration for the Christmas Parade will continue through Friday, December 2, 5:00pm. The theme is “Peace On Earth.” On Saturday, December 3rd, festivities will begin at 6:30pm when the Annual Festival of Lights Parade will light up Peterson Avenue at and make its way from the Courthouse to the Coffee Alternative Education Center. Registration forms and rules can be picked up at the Public Information office located at 211 S. Gaskin Avenue. For more information about the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade, please call (912) 383-0277, visit our website at www.cityofdouglas.com/parade, or email info@cityofdouglas.com.
