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Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of January 19, 2026

  • Writer: Jimmy Furst
    Jimmy Furst
  • 7 days ago
  • 7 min read

Catch up on all things Chamblee!


The Locomotive - One Big Thing:

SGT. Loc Tran

This has been a tough week for the Chamblee Police Department. My thoughts are with SGT. Tran and his family.

Our officers have my full support and gratitude for the work they do every day to keep our community safe. We stand with you. More on Sergeant Tran below:

Sergeant Loc Dang Tran, a devoted son, brother, dog dad, Army veteran, and, most recently, a Criminal Investigations Sergeant with the Chamblee Police Department, was born on May 18, 1983, in Saigon, Vietnam, to Mong Hoa Thi Tran. He passed away on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and police family.

At the age of three, Loe immigrated to the United States from Vietnam and was raised in Conyers.Georgia. His early journey to America as a Vietnamese refugee shaped the quiet strength and resilience that would define his life, instilling in him a lifelong sense of gratitude, perseverance, and quiet courage.

At age 18, Loc proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving from July 2002 to July 2007 as an Army Pharmacy Specialist. During his military service, he worked in troop medical clinics, combat support hospitals, and medical centers, providing critical medical and pharmaceutical care to both military and civilian personnel. During this time, he was deployed for one year in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005.

Following his honorable military service, Loc continued his commitment to public service with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office before graduating from the Piedmont Technical College Police Academy in December 2o1o. Shortly thereafter, he began his career with the Chamblee Police Department. Throughout his time at Chamblee, Loc steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a detective, Uniform Division Sergeant, and ultimately earning promotion to Criminal Investigations Sergeant in May 2024.

In his personal life, Loc remained deeply devoted to caring for others. Outside of work, he spent his time supporting his mother, Mong Hoa, his sister, Theresa, his brother Stephen, and doting on his beloved German Shepherd puppy, Patrick. Loc appreciated a simple, quiet life surrounded by his creature comforts. He enjoyed football (Go Dawgs), building 3D models, and relaxing in his recliner with his dogs close by.

Survivors include his mother, Mong Hoa; sister, Theresa; brother, Stephen; and his five-month-old German Shepherd puppy, Patrick, along with many loving relatives, friends, and his extended Chamblee Police Department family.

Through more than 15 years of service, Sergeant Tran embodied the true meaning of "protect and serve." He showed up every day with integrity, respect, dignity, and compassion. Loc dedicated his life to helping others, and those privileged to know him will forever cherish his kind heart, beautiful soul, and endlessly giving nature.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

January 15: Swearing-In Ceremony

I was honored to be officially sworn in along with Mayor Mock! I am incredibly thankful for the trust you have placed in me. There is still important work ahead, and I remain committed to listening, learning, and showing up every day for our community. This title does not belong to me. It belongs to the residents of Chamblee, and I am honored to serve on your behalf.



January 16: New Business Alert! Hammer & Nails Ribbion Cutting

We’re excited to welcome Hammer & Nails - Chamblee Grooming Shop for Guys to Chamblee! Offering premium haircuts, shaves, hand and foot care, and more, this upscale men’s grooming lounge combines style, comfort, and craftsmanship.

Stop by and see what makes Hammer & Nails more than your average barbershop! I can speak from experience as I'm a member.

Hammer and Nails: 5180 Peachtree Blvd Ste 494, Chamblee, GA 30341


January 17: Monthly Electronics Recycling Event

Missed this month's event? We hold this event on the third Sataurday of every month.

At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

Design Review Board Opening

Help shape the design of Chamblee! The City of Chamblee is accepting applications from qualified individuals to serve on the Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB members are volunteers who meet monthly as needed to advise the City Council on architectural matters for major developments within the City.

Who can apply:

• Chamblee residents, business owners, or property owners who hold no other office or position with the City.

• A background in architecture, planning, zoning, land use, development, or engineering is required.

If you are interested, submit the attached Statement of Interest form along with a resume to Louisa Tovar, Deputy Planning & Development Director, at ltovar@chambleega.gov. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Apply HERE.

Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Meeting

DeKalb County will hold a meeting to provide additional information on Phase II on Thursday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Phase II runs along Peachtree Boulevard from Malone Drive to Carver Drive.

Crews have completed Phase I (Malone Drive) and have installed 1,548 linear feet of 12-inch pipe and 1,820 linear feet of 36-inch pipe to date. The 11,000 linear foot project is expected to be completed in December 2027.


Chamblee 101

Ready to get to know YOUR local government? Chamblee 101 is an 11-week course where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Chamblee provides high-quality services. See who's responsible for what, tour various buildings, and become more engaged with your city.

Sessions are held each Wednesday (except for two sessions).


Make a profound impact on your city and sign up for Chamblee 101 before the February 4th deadline! Click HERE to apply today.

Rail Trail Closure

Contractors will be working on the replacement of the overlook deck, just south of the Peachtree Boulevard Tunnel, beginning Thursday, January 22nd, through Wednesday, January 28th, weather pending. The Chamblee Rail Trail will be closed at this location during construction.

Arrow Creek Soccer Field

Arrow Creek Park Soccer Field has reopened with NEW field turf! Check it out at 4445 Buford Highway. The park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm.


Dresden Park Soccer Field Hours


Women's Commission Opening

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has established a Women's Commission.

Pursuant to the adopted ordinance, each DeKalb municipality is authorized to appoint one member to serve on the Commission.

If you are a Chamblee resident and have an interest in identifying strategies that support the well-being and advancement of those who identify as women and girls throughout DeKalb County, apply today.


Public Works Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Dennis Robinson as the Public Works Employee of the Month for January!

Dennis quietly executes every task with precision and zero drama. He doesn’t complain, doesn’t hesitate, and doesn’t miss a beat. When assignments are given, Dennis acknowledges them, gets to work, and sees them through with no fanfare required.

His calm, consistent approach and strong work ethic make a big impact, even when he’s flying under the radar. Dennis sets an excellent example for the entire organization, and we truly appreciate the steady reliability he brings every day. Keep up the great work, Dennis!


The Signal

New Year, New Chamblee! Kick off the new year by staying connected!

The Signal newsletter is back with the latest updates, events, and important information to start the new year strong. Please stay in the know about what's happening in our community! Click HERE to read this month's issue.

Homestead Exemption

The City of Chamblee offers a 100% exemption from city property taxes to seniors and disabled residential homeowners. Chamblee residents who are 65 or older or disabled are eligible for this exemption if they reside in owner-occupied homes. The exemptions must be updated every three years. The renewal request resumes for residents located on streets N-Z.

To qualify:

  • All parties listed on the property deed must be 65 years or older on January 1, 2026, or be 100% disabled as declared by the SSA or VA.

  • The owner(s) must qualify for a homestead exemption by living in the home as the owner. Secondary homes and rental properties do not qualify for exemptions.

  • The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.


The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery is OPEN!

The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery has officially been installed and is now open for artists, art lovers, and curious passersby! Local teen Andrew Ladzinske built the gallery as his Eagle Scout project, with support from the Chamblee Public Arts Commission, making this gallery a true community project.


Find it at Ride Share Park, at the corner of Peachtree Road & Chamblee Dunwoody Way.

How it works:

  •  View art

  •  Trade art

  •  Take art

  •  Leave art

If you’re adding art, please keep it tiny, family-friendly, and non-political. Artists are welcome to bring their own mini display items, and we’ll do our best to keep the gallery stocked with extra tiny easels and pins.


Chamblee Launches New Mural Grant Program

The Public Arts Commission is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support mural projects across Chamblee.

Qualified census tracts may receive full funding with no match. Other areas are eligible for a 50% match up to $10,000.

Apply now and help brighten our city. Apply Here


Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee

January 22: Public Art Commission Monthly Meeting

The Chamblee Public Art Commission Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.


January 23: Jimmy's Office Hours

Office hours are back! No appointment needed. Just stop by, and we can chat about all things Chamblee. Note: I will be at lunch from noon to 1 PM.


January 28: Blood Drive

Chamblee, here's another chance to help those in need. The City of Chamblee has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive at Chamblee City Hall. To schedule your appointment to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "cityofchamblee."


January 28: CPD Citizens Advisory Committee

The first Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting of 2026 will be held on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arrow Creek Community Room at the Chamblee Police Department. This is a great opportunity to connect with your local law enforcement officers!

The Caboose

I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.



Mobile: 770-901-1121 The legal stuff: The views expressed represent the views of the author and may not reflect the views of the Chamblee City Council. Comments posted in response to a Councilmember-initiated communication may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. If you are a resident of Chamblee and would like to discuss city business, please go to chambleega.gov or contact me at the email above.





 
 
 

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