Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of April 28, 2025

Jimmy Furst
May 6
5 min read

Updated: May 6

Catch up on all things Chamblee!

The Locomotive - One Big Thing:

This past Wednesday, I attended the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting at the Chamblee Public Safety Building, and I wanted to share a few notable moments that reflect the exceptional work of our Chamblee Police Department.

First, a second Lifesaving Award was presented to Officers Dustin Bulcher, Helen Barksdale, and Brandon White for their heroic response during a medical emergency involving Mr. David Chung. Mr. Chung suffered a full cardiac arrest while playing tennis at the Huntley Hills Swim and Tennis Club. Officers Bulcher, Barksdale, and White took turns administering CPR until DeKalb Fire Rescue arrived. Thanks to the officers' quick and coordinated efforts, Mr. Chung survived and was transported to Northside Hospital. Quoting Mrs. Chang, "Thanks to CPD, my child has a father, and I have a husband."

In addition, Officers Dustin Bulcher and Starrkisha Asberry (not pictured) were honored as Officers of the Month by the Chamblee Police Department and the Chamblee Police Foundation. On March 3, the officers responded to a call on Warwick Circle where a woman was found unresponsive due to a suspected fentanyl overdose. Drawing on her training, Officer Asberry quickly assessed the situation, retrieved Narcan from her patrol vehicle, and administered the first dose. Officer Bulcher arrived shortly after and supplied a second dose, which was also administered by Officer Asberry. The woman regained consciousness on the scene. Both officers demonstrated calm under pressure, excellent teamwork, and compassionate care, likely saving another life that day.

We are fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated officers serving Chamblee. Thank you!

Officers Dustin Bulcher, Helen Barksdale, and Brandon White with the Chengs.

Officer Dustin Bulcher poses with Chief Dieppa and Chamblee Police Foundation members.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

May 1: ChamBlee to B Business Networking Event

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with our incredible small business leaders—the backbone of our community—at the ChamBlee to B Business Networking Event, hosted at the Distillery of Modern Art. It was great to connect with so many passionate, engaged professionals who are helping shape the future of Chamblee.

We also encouraged everyone to participate in the National Business Survey, a vital tool that helps us better understand and support the needs of our local businesses. Randomly selected businesses will receive mailed survey invitations over the next few weeks. If you receive an invite, please follow the instructions and share your input! Your feedback will help us make important plans for our future.

If you aren't selected for this initial survey effort, please click here to take the community survey. The survey closes on May 29.

May 2: Assembly Studios Tour

This week, I had the opportunity to tour the Assembly Studios, and I learned so much about the positive impact it's having on Chamblee. The production crews love dining in Downtown Chamblee, and they regularly purchase supplies—everything from plants to hardware—at our local Lowe’s. Several shows and films have already been shot right here in our city, and we had great conversations about how to continue strengthening this exciting partnership.

We also discussed the upcoming completion of Rail Trail segments 7–12, which will connect Downtown Chamblee to the Assembly. Studio staff often use bikes and scooters to get around the lot, and they’re looking forward to using the Rail Trail as a safe, direct route to downtown. This section of the trail is federally funded and currently in the planning stages.

And here’s something you might not know—there are public amenities at the Assembly that we can all enjoy! Right now, you can take advantage of the beautiful green space. Once the new Rail Trail segments are complete, accessing these amenities will be even easier and safer for everyone.

May 4: Plaza Fiesta Cinco De Mayo Event

Councilwoman Robson, Councilman Veith, and I had the pleasure of attending this cultural celebration at Plaza Fiesta. The City proudly sponsored this event, and we presented a check on stage to Plaza Fiesta.

Code Enforcement Officer Rey Cintron stands in front of his low rider, which was on display at Plaza Fiesta.

At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

The Month of May

May is Myositis Awareness Month in the City of Chamblee.

Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation and weakness in the muscles. Myositis is difficult to diagnose, and those who suffer from it experience reduced quality of life, especially since a cure hasn’t been found. This cause is near and dear to Chamblee resident Rich DeAugustinis, whose father has battled this disease for several years.

Myositis Awareness Month is organized in May by The Myositis Association. Join the City of Chamblee as we come together to learn more about all forms of Myositis and its symptoms and support the families in our community who will benefit from greater awareness of these rare diseases.

Sign Up for Alerts Powered by Smart911

Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Sign up to receive emergency alerts via text message, email, and/or voice message from the City of Chamblee to get real-time updates on severe weather, emergencies, road closures, event reminders, and more!

It's free and could save your life! Sign up HERE.

New Chamblee Rail Trail Spur

One more week of progress! As a reminder, the new spur will run from the Keswick Softball field to Sexton Woods Drive.

May E-Signal

Read this month's E-Signal here for even more great info on Chamblee.

Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee:

UPDATE: April 28-May 8: Keswick Park Tennis Courts Closed

Inclement weather impacted the work, causing delays. The courts will remain closed through May 8.

May 15: City Council Public Hearing & Work Session

City Council Public Hearings and Work Sessions are held on the Thursday before the Tuesday City Council Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM at Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341.

May 17: Electronics Recycling

May 18: Performance in the Park: Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue

May 20: City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meetings are held every third Tuesday at 6:00 PM at Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341.

May 20: Leaf Truck Name Reveal

Join us for the official Leaf Truck Name Reveal during Public Works Week on Wednesday, May 21, at 2:30 PM in front of Chamblee City Hall!

The wait is finally over, and it's time to showcase the names chosen by you and the new designs that will be cruising through our neighborhoods this fall. This event is free and open to the public. The first 100 people will receive a toy Chamblee Public Works Truck.