There’s a new man in charge of campus security for North Georgia Technical College. Former Gwinnett County police officer Mark Fitzgerald was named chief of campus police in December. He took over the job on January 2.
Fitzpatrick worked for the Gwinnett County Police Department for over 25 years. He most recently served as commander of GCPD’s special operations unit. In that role, Fitzpatrick was responsible for SWAT, aviation, K9, DUI, accident investigations, motors unit, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal divisions.
He began his law enforcement career at the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department in 1992 as a deputy sheriff. At GCPD, Fitzpatrick rose through the ranks to police major.
Fitzpatrick holds a master of arts degree in homeland security and defense from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He also holds a bachelor of business administration degree in finance from Georgia State University and an associate degree in business administration from the University of North Georgia.
NGTC President John Wilkinson says Fitzpatrick’s background in law enforcement and years of service are a “true testament to his knowledge and abilities and make him an ideal candidate for this position.”
“We are excited to welcome Chief Fitzpatrick to North Georgia Technical College,” says NGTC Executive Vice President Of Administrative Services Dr. Michele Shirley. “His knowledge and experience will be an invaluable asset to our college, and we look forward to his leadership in this role as he works with students, faculty, staff and the community.”
As chief of campus police, Fitzpatrick oversees security operations at all three of NGTC’s campuses – Clarkesville, Curahee, and Blairsville. He is the college’s fourth police chief in eight years, succeeding David Savage who was hired in April 2021.
Fitzpatrick and his wife, Linda, live in Cleveland.
