Fifty members of the Georgia State Patrol served as part of the largest security detail for a presidential inauguration in the nation’s history, including two from Rincon’s Post 42.

Cpl. Tommy Barron and TFC Chad Gray from the Rincon post were part of the GSP’s inauguration detachment.

During their duty assignments, the troopers worked in partnership with the uniformed division of the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department to provide security along the inaugural parade route and also with crowd control. The Metropolitan Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the safe and uneventful progression of the inaugural parade and with assisting the U.S. Secret Service with security at the hotels hosting the inaugural balls. GSP personnel supplemented the uniformed presence during the inauguration.

"It was a distinct honor for the Georgia State Patrol to be invited to take part in the historic 56th inauguration and the troopers who attended did a great job," said Col. Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety.  
Long hours during inauguration day coupled with extreme temperatures made their jobs uncomfortable.

“We are all proud of those who participated, and in particular their diligence and perseverance under difficult circumstances,” Hitchens said. “The troopers are to be commended for a job well done."

Hitchens said planning for the security assignment began in November when the Georgia State Patrol was invited to again assist with inaugural security by Metro Police. The Georgia State Patrol also provided a security assignment for the 55th inaugural in January 2005.

All expenses for the inaugural detail, including the troopers’ salaries, travel, meals and lodging are being reimbursed to the Department by Metropolitan Police.