Lt. Casey Caswell was named the Public Safety Officer of the Year for the Waycross Police Department during the 2025 Public Safety Officer of the Year banquet held Thursday, February 27 at the Exchange Club’s meeting hall.
The honor recognized Lt. Caswell’s extraordinary dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the department’s values. With over 23 years of service to the community where he was born and raised, Lt. Caswell has proven himself to be a cornerstone of public safety in Waycross.
A native of Waycross and a 1998 graduate of Ware County High School, Lt. Caswell’s journey of service began long before he joined the police force. He served six years in the National Guard, including a peacekeeping deployment to Bosnia before returning home to protect and serve his community.
Since joining the Waycross Police Department (WPD) in January 2002 as a patrol officer, he has risen through the ranks, earning promotions to sergeant in 2014 and lieutenant in 2019.
Lt. Caswell’s career is marked by versatility and excellence. He has served in traffic enforcement and the Community Response Team, a crime suppression unit, before finding his calling in the Special Operations Section.
As a drug recognition expert, gang investigator, and Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) instructor, he has gone above and beyond to address some of the community’s most pressing challenges. His leadership on the WPD SWAT team has been instrumental in managing high-profile incidents with skill and precision, earning him the admiration of his colleagues.
“Lt. Caswell’s investigative skills and determination have led to numerous drug dealer prosecutions and arrests in murder investigations,” said Police Chief Tommy Cox in his nomination letter. “His quick thinking and tireless work ethic exemplify his commitment to justice and the people of Waycross.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Lt. Caswell is a devoted family man, married to his wife, Brandi, and a proud father to their four children, Carson, Ayden, Aleeah and Anslee. His personal values of teamwork, communication and mentorship shine through in his work, fostering a positive environment within the department and inspiring those around him.
The Public Safety Officer of the Year award celebrates Lt. Caswell’s remarkable character and contributions over more than two decades of service. His efforts have not only upheld the WPD’s standards of excellence but have also left a lasting impact on the community he calls home.
“Lt. Caswell embodies what it means to serve with honor,” Cox added. “We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen the Waycross Police Department for years to come.”
Lt. Casey Caswell stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the difference one individual can make in their hometown.
