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Greetings!
This winter has been challenging, but Gwinnett has demonstrated resilience and expertly weathered each storm. I hope you’re staying safe and warm, and please continue to look out for your neighbors and our vulnerable community members.
Two District 3 events which had been postponed due to the inclement weather have now been rescheduled: my Human Trafficking Awareness Town Hall on Monday, March 9 and the Greater Atlanta HBCU College Fair on Saturday, March 7. Details for both events are included in this newsletter.
I am deeply grieved by the recent losses in Gwinnett's public safety community, for Fire-Medic Joshua Garay and for Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang. Our thoughts are also with Master Police Officer David M. Reed as he recovers from his injuries. My heartfelt sympathies are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Please take a moment to remember the service and sacrifice of all the brave individuals who face danger every day to protect and serve our community.
Keep reading below for more District 3 and County news.
| | Honoring fallen Gwinnett Police Officer Pradeep Tamang | | |
Gwinnett County is mourning the loss of Gwinnett County Police Officer Pradeep Tamang, who was killed in the line of duty Sunday, February 1.
At approximately 7:30am, MPO David Reed and Officer Tamang were dispatched to a financial fraud call in Stone Mountain. During the investigation, the suspect opened fire in an unprovoked attack. Both officers were struck, and one officer was able to return fire, leaving the suspect with non-life-threatening injuries.
Despite heroic efforts by his fellow officers, paramedics, and hospital staff at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Officer Pradeep Tamang died as a result of his injuries. MPO Reed was also injured in the attack and is in serious but stable condition.
Officer Tamang joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in July 2024 and graduated from the 121st Police Academy in May 2025. He immigrated to the United States from Nepal 10 years ago. He leaves behind a fiancée as well as family in Pennsylvania.
MPO Reed joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in September 2015 and graduated from the 94th Police Academy.
Officer Tamang’s Gwinnett County patrol vehicle has been placed outside Gwinnett County Police Headquarters, located at 770 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville, for anyone who would like to come by and pay their respects. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:00am Saturday, February 7 at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville.
| | Happening Around Gwinnett | | |
Celebrate Black History Month with us
Join us as we honor Black History Month and the 2026 national theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," on Wednesday, February 11 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.
Enjoy an evening honoring the impact, culture, and history of Black people through music, dance, food, and art. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/BlackHistoryMonth to register.
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Important changes to County website
When you visit GwinnettCounty.com, you’ll find a new look, intuitive organization, and updated features to improve your online experience.
The new website now includes a single sign-on login. Residents will use the email address affiliated with their account to log in instead of a username. Existing account passwords associated with a user’s email address may need to be changed to meet updated security standards. The water bill feature will also remain the same for now.
While the web address GwinnettCounty.com remains unchanged, page URLs have changed because we’ve improved our site structure. Please remember to update your bookmarks.
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Apply for Spring Citizens Police Academy
The Gwinnett County Police Department is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy. Topics covered during the academy include Crime Prevention, Communications (911), Criminal Investigations, K-9, Crime Scene Investigations, and more. Residents will also get hands-on and educational experiences which may include a police ride-along, a county jail tour, and a visit to the District Attorney's Office.
The Spring session will run from March 3 through May 5, with classes held on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Completed applications must be received by February 20, and you can apply online. For questions, please contact Corporal Tebin Clack at Tebin.Clack@GwinnettCounty.com.
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Trapped and Trafficked: A District 3 Town Hall
After being postponed for inclement weather, January's Human Trafficking Awareness Town Hall has been rescheduled for Monday, March 9 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.
The event aims to raise awareness, elevate survivor voices, and connect the community with resources that will help prevent exploitation and provide support. There will be a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and a resource fair featuring local advocacy organizations.
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Heart to Paw Match-Up
Who needs roses when you have wet noses? Join us Saturday, February 14, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center for our Heart to Paw Match-Up adoption celebration!
Whether you're looking for your paw-fect match or celebrating the furry Valentine already in your life, this event is for you. Because true love has four paws — come fall in love this Valentine's Day! This event is free for all ages.
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Enhancements underway at Evermore North Boulevard
Gwinnett County is making improvements to Evermore North Boulevard, enhancing mobility for commuters. A two-lane road will be constructed on the north side, running parallel to US 78 from Hewatt Road to Britt Drive, and will serve as an alternate route for drivers. It also includes the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Parkwood Road and Evermore North Boulevard and the installation of a new pump station and sanitary sewer main. Partially funded by SPLOST, the project is anticipated to be complete by mid-2026.
| | Special Events and Happenings | | |
The Rhythm of History
Thursday, February 12 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Come gain knowledge of the contributions made by African Americans with a history of music and movement. There will be African dance, a step team performance of call and response, and a presentation and discussion about voting rights. Open to all ages. Gwinnett County Public Library Snellville Branch, 2245 Wisteria Drive, Snellville. Event cost: Free!
Walk the Talk: Heart Health Month
Saturday, February 14 from 8:00am to 9:00am
February is National Heart Health Month! Walk and talk with professionals from the American Heart Association to discover actionable steps to build stronger hearts and healthier lives. The ambassador will also review upcoming classes, programs, events, and more. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and remember your water bottle. Open to all ages. Register online. Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
SweetBark Market
Sunday, February 15 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Bring your canine buddy to the SweetBark Market where you can shop for pet merch, take cute photos, meet adoptable dogs, and enjoy a hot cocoa station with pup cups! Open to all ages. Register Online. Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
Sparks of Liberty
Saturday, February 28 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Step back in time and discover how everyday colonists — kids included — helped ignite a revolution. Experience the American Revolution through hands-on crafts, interactive games, storytelling, and reenactments designed for the whole family. Learn how tea, taxes, and teamwork sparked a fight for freedom. Open to all ages. Register online. Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: $2.50/Gwinnett residents; $3.50/Non-residents
8th Annual Greater Atlanta HBCU College Fair
Saturday, March 7 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
The RKL Education Foundation proudly presents the 8th Annual Greater Atlanta HBCU College Fair — a free event that celebrates the legacy and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with support from the Georgia District Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Open to all high school students.
Register online. South Gwinnett High School, 2288 East Main Street, Snellville. Event cost: Free!
| | Commissioner Watkins in the Community | | | | Commissioner Watkins shared a warm welcome on behalf of Chairwoman Hendrickson and fellow Commissioners at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church MLK Empowerment Service on January 18. The event was hosted by the South Gwinnett Pastors Coalition. | | Updates from a District 3 Board Appointee | | |
Planning is a collaborative effort between community stakeholders, government agencies, and private organizations. By bringing together different interests through discussion and joint decision-making we have greater opportunity to work toward common goals and sustainable growth.
Community members are an important part of this process and are encouraged to reach out to their planning commissioners to learn more about Gwinnett’s future plans. If you have interest in learning about Gwinnett's 2045 Unified Plan, feel free to reach out to me at Katrina.Fellows@GwinnettCounty.com.
Katrina Fellows, MPP, CERG-PEC
Planning Commissioner, Gwinnett County District 3
678.814.2889
To learn more about planning efforts and how you can be involved, contact your District 3 Planning Commissioners.
District 3 Planning Commissioners
Ben Archer, Ben.Archer@GwinnettCounty.com and Katrina Fellows, Katrina.Fellows@GwinnettCounty.com
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