Brian Early

A Dalton, Ga., police officer was honored by the U.S. military for his work in Afghanistan.

Brian Early received the Bronze Star at the end of his tour of duty, during which he served as a squad leader and a platoon sergeant. The Bronze Star, the fourth-highest individual honor that the U.S. military gives, is awarded for acts of valor or acts of merit.

The Dalton Police Department recognized Early at its annual Veterans Day lunch.

Early began his third tour of duty in October 2012. He was part of a Quick Reaction Force, a group that is responsible for responding to emergency situations within 15 minutes. The group also supports convoys, provides a security detail for high-ranking officers and assess high-rise buildings.

In addition, because of his position, Early had to plan the Quick Reaction Force's movements and brief his commanders on where different convoys went.

In a news release, he said he is proudest of his group's safety: "I took my platoon of 20 people, and nobody died. We had a couple injuries and ... we sent a couple guys home to get fixed. But that was my best thing: Making sure that I lost nobody."