The support coordinator shall be appointed by and be under the direction of the commissioner. The support coordinator shall be an individual with experience as a public safety officer and who has received training and exhibited a demonstrated professional ability to provide emotional and moral support to public safety officers. The support coordinator may also otherwise serve as a public safety officer within the department. The support coordinator is charged and empowered to carry out the responsibilities provided for under this article.
OCGA § 35-2-162