A Clarkesville police officer is being hailed a hero for his actions during a life-threatening incident that authorities say stopped an ambush on fellow officers and a potential mass shooting.
The Georgia State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) honored Officer Terry Lee Palmer with a valor award for his response to an emergency at Cameron Apartments in Clarkesville on September 7, 2024. On that night, Clarkesville police were called to the apartment complex for a welfare check on resident Allen Patterson. There were concerns that Patterson, an Army veteran, was struggling with mental health issues. Several Habersham County deputies responded as backup.
According to the police department’s incident report, while officers were on the scene, Patterson was observed following behind several deputies “with what appeared to be a rifle, pointed in their direction.”
Clarkesville Police Chief Danny Clouatre told Now Habersham that Palmer saw what was happening and engaged the subject, calling out for him to drop his weapon. Patterson then reportedly turned his gun on Palmer, who fired at him.
Chief Clouatre said by engaging Patterson, Officer Palmer gave the deputies time to turn around and protect themselves against the perceived threat. They opened fire on Patterson, who later died from his injuries.
“Officer Palmer averted an ambush on police personnel and a potential mass shooting involving residents,” said FOP North Georgia Mountains Lodge #112 President Michael Palmer during the award presentation. “He then performed life-saving measures on the perpetrator. For his selfless act, we are forever grateful.”
Giving credit where credit is due
Palmer and fellow FOP member Craig Fulghum presented Officer Palmer with the award during the July 7 Clarkesville City Council meeting. District 50 State Sen. Bo Hatchett and District 10 State Rep. Victor Anderson attended the ceremony.
“Giving recognition where recognition is due is very important to all of us in law enforcement,” said Michael Palmer. “Every officer is trained to make split-second decisions every day.”
The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet completed its report into the Patterson shooting. Chief Clouatre said he could not give an estimate on when the case would be closed.
“We can’t divulge a lot of details until everything’s completed, but most people don’t understand Terry’s actions,” Clouatre said. “You never see the crime that you stop; you only see the crime that you haven’t [stopped].”
A dangerous job
The Georgia FOP presents awards annually to officers across the state who demonstrate extraordinary service. For Michael Palmer, the opportunity to honor a fellow officer from his lodge made the recognition particularly meaningful.
“In the world we live in now, it is extremely important that all law enforcement officers receive proper credit for the outstanding work they do. And the FOP is proud to assist in that effort,” he said.
According to the FOP, in 2024, 342 officers were shot nationwide, including 18 in Georgia. Of those, 79 were ambushed, resulting in 18 deaths.
“It is because of Officer Palmer’s actions this number did not increase,” the FOP stated.
The Georgia Fraternal Order of Police represents over 7,500 officers statewide and is part of the largest law enforcement organization in the nation, with more than 377,000 members.
