Judy Free, who pioneered law enforcement for some in Gainesville and Hall County, has died at the age f 84.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and local law enforcement historian Chad White, a retired Gainesville Police officer, Free began her career with the Gainesville Police Department. She joined the Hall County Sheriff’s Office in April 1974 as a clerk matron. In that role she was responsible for caring for all female inmates from supervising them to transporting them. She was assigned several jobs in the jail, and she even worked investigations at the same time.
In 1975, Free became the sheriff’s office’s first woman to attend the police academy. She rose to the rank of corporal in 1983 (the first woman at HCSO to earn that rank) and then attained the rank of sergeant and lieutenant, all within HCSO’s Jail Division. Lt. Free wrapped up her career in the Warrants Unit and retired on Nov. 30, 2004. She had put in 30 years in local law enforcement at the time of retirement.
Mary Judith “Judy” Bennett Free passed away on Easter Sunday and was remembered in a private family service. 
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“One of the pioneers of the Gainesville Police Department, Mary Judith “Judy” Bennett Free, has passed away at the age of 84. She played a vital role in paving the way for women to serve in law enforcement.
Hired by Gainesville Police Chief George “Red” Singleton, Judy, along with Patsy “Pat” Simmons (RIP), became one of the first female police officers to carry a firearm and was assigned to the traffic division.
In a February 1974 interview with reporter Jackie Sosby for the Times, Judy was asked how others treated her and Pat. She responded, “Everybody doesnβt treat you any differently. The first thing people do is look to see if youβre wearing a gun. I guess they donβt believe it.”
After leaving the police department, Judy was hired by Hall County Sheriff Ed England, where she attended and graduated from the police academy in July 1975. She was promoted to sergeant in September 1985 and later became a lieutenant.
Judy was married to the late James Arley “Porky” Free, who also served with the sheriffβs office. He passed away on February 15, 1997.
There is no doubt that Judy and Porky both left a lasting impression on the past and present deputies who had the honor of working alongside them.
Out of respect for the family, I chose not to post anything about her passing a couple of days ago. A private ceremony was held at the cemetery.
Please keep Judy’s family in your thoughts and prayers. She now rests in the arms of Jesus.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9.”