Forsyth County deputy fired after allegedly going to public event while drunk

A Forsyth County deputy was recently fired after allegedly showing up at a public event while under the influence of alcohol, authorities said.

Gregory M. Cannon was fired Sept. 13, according to Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council records. The sheriff’s office confirmed the firing to AJC.com, adding that another deputy reported the incident internally at an event Sept. 11.

Cannon was confronted by sheriff’s office commanders “within minutes of the notification,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. Cannon was placed on administrative leave and taken for an alcohol test. He was fired two days later.

It’s unclear what public event he allegedly attended while drunk.

He had been with the sheriff’s office since 2007 and had no disciplinary history, POST records show.

A criminal investigation has been launched, the sheriff’s office said.

“The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office takes a firm stance on misuse of alcohol or any drug by employees,” the release said, in part. “Citizens of Forsyth County deserve the highest level of professionalism and any employee using alcohol on duty has betrayed that trust and will be held accountable.”