This account has been created to ask for support for Officer Joel Coward.  Joel is a veteran who served his country in the United States Navy.  Joel began his law enforcement career with the Gwinnett County Police Department in 2008.  In 2015, Joel became a valued member of the City of Brookhaven Police Department.  As a police officer, Joel has dedicated his career to protecting the communities he has served as well as being there for his fellow brothers and sisters in blue.  His fellow officers describe Joel as one of the most upbeat and caring people they know.

In September of 2016 Joel noticed that he was unexpectedly losing weight at a rapid pace, as well as a losing his appetite.  Upon consulting with a doctor, Joel received devastating news.  His diagnosis was stage 3 stomach cancer.  Doctors noticed a tumor the size of a grapefruit growing. Because of his illness Joel has elected to be placed on light duty while he seeks treatment.  Joel is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments to aggressively fight the cancerous tumor while still working.  The treatment plan is to continue chemo into 2017 then attempt to remove the tumor from his stomach.  This surgery will cause Joel to be placed on disability during his recovery (and substantial decrease in his salary).  As the father of a soon to be 3-year-old son we are asking for any help you may give to support Joel and his family during his battle with cancer.