(AUG. 17, 2026) — Cherokee County’s Annual Patriot Day Ceremony will be held Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at the Public Safety Memorial in Rotary Park in downtown Canton.
The public is invited to the rain-or-shine event.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Battalion Chief Matthew Richter.
Chief Richter has served Cherokee County for more than 20 years. He currently oversees six fire stations in Battalion 4 and serves as the department’s Blue Card Program Manager, a certified Blue Card Command Instructor, and Chairman of the Operations Committee.
Before beginning his fire service career, Chief Richter served in the United States Army from 2000 to 2006. He is a combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom I and Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service.
Chief Richter is a certified Georgia Chief Fire Officer and is passionate about leadership development, mentoring the next generation of fire service leaders, and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The 2026 Patriot Day program will feature music from the Cherokee High School Band of Warriors. The Cherokee County Multi-Agency Honor Guard will present the colors, and Fire-ES Division Chief Michael Sims is slated to emcee the event.
In keeping with a recent tradition, there will be representation of all public safety and law enforcement in Cherokee County during the wreath presentation.
###
MEDIA CONTACT
Erika Neldner, Communications Director
ebneldner@cherokeecountyga.gov | 678-493-601
