TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. – Towns County Interim Sheriff Anthony Coleman formally deputized members of the Hiawassee Police Department during a City of Hiawassee Council work session Monday night, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to the deputization, officials from both agencies signed a mutual aid agreement. The partnership is intended to strengthen cooperation between the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and the Hiawassee Police Department and to expand joint law enforcement capabilities.

Officials said the agreement reflects an ongoing effort to improve coordination and provide a unified law enforcement presence for residents of both Towns County and the City of Hiawassee.