Leadership that listens, Action that delivers!
Oconee County, GA
About Me
I was born and raised in Oconee County (OC) and graduated from OC High School in 1982. I moved back to OC in 2021 with my wife of eighteen years, Dr. Vernellia Wade, an Oconee Educator. I am the proud father of four and grandfather of two.
I have a breadth of experience in law enforcement gained from a myriad of positions in law enforcement in the US Army and Athens-Clarke County, Chief of Richmond County School System Public Safety, and Pastor of the White Rock Baptist Church in Washington.
I want to bring the leadership and interpersonal skills I have acquired to OC to ensure that we meet the needs of the community with state of the art processes and procedures.
My Platform
As your Sheriff it will be my responsibility for maintaining law and order, promoting community safety, and fostering trust between the Sheriff’s office and the community we serve. I will lead by example and treat all with dignity and respect.
I plan to assess the entire department within my first 100 days in the Sheriff’s office to ensure we are operating with efficiency and effectiveness to maximize Public Safety.
My initial focus will be on 3 areas:
1. Public safety
- Proactively address emerging challenges, build strong community relationships, and promote innovation.
- Inspire personnel to align their efforts toward shared objectives.
- Identify priorities, while allocating resources and implementing evidence-based practices to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Adapt to changing environments and make informed decisions that enhance public safety.
2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Foster collaboration and build partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other government agencies to improve public safety outcomes.
- Discuss the significance of community-oriented policing, establish strong relationships with community leaders, and implement proactive outreach programs.
- Collaborate with the school district to ensure school safety is a priority for our children, teachers, and staff. Invest in our youth by participating in youth programs (such as school fun activities & summer camps) to build positive relationships.
- Build trust that fosters effective communication through a Sheriff’s Advisory Board. Hold quarterly community meetings to hear from residents and address safety concerns.
3. professional development
- Invest in all employees by providing access to relevant training opportunities, workshops and conferences. Additionally, incorporate leadership skills, ethics, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mental health awareness and communication training into our law enforcement training curricula.
- Obtain the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification. Incorporate law enforcement best practices and emerging technologies to ensure the department remain at the forefront of keeping our community safe.
- Encourage deputies and civilian personnel to pursue higher education, obtain specialized certifications and develop new skills that align with the changing needs of our communities.
- Create a culture that values personal and professional growth, as well as foster a sense of pride and commitment amongst all employees.
My experience in law enforcment
United states Army - 30 years (3 years active, 27 years US Army RESERVE)
- Entered as a Private, retired as Command Sargeant Major (Warrior Transition Battalion) taking care of wounded Warriors at Fort Gordon, GA
- Served as a Military Policeman, Military Police Investigator, Desk Sergeant, and Patrol Supervisor
law enforcement, Athens - 30 years
- Clarke County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Sheriff (Jail Division)
- Clarke County Police Department: Uniform Patrol, SWAT, Traffic Officer, and Detective
- Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD): Detective, SWAT, Certified Instructor, Sergeant, Communication Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, Watch Commander, Honor/Color Guard Commander, Internal Affairs Commander, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Field Operations, and Community Outreach Division
law enforcement, augusta - 4 years
- Richmond County Board of Education Police Department: Police Chief
- Directed 40 police officers, 2 investigators, and 3 support staff
- Provided a safe environment for over 30,000 students, 4,000 employees, and Richmond County School System’s visitors
My achievements & accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Implemented the ACCPD’s First Gang Resistance Education and Training program
- Developed ACCPD’s first Youth Summer Camps, designed to teach youth good decision making and life skills
- Implemented Richmond Board of Education’s (RCBOE’s) first Gang Resistance Education and Training Program
- Developed RCBOE Police Department’s first Youth Summer Camps
- Led RCBOE Police Department through the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program (Recertification)
Honors & Awards
- Legion of Merit Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal (3)
- Army Commendation Medal (5)
- Army Achievement Medal
- Veterans of Foreign Wars, Police Officer of the Year
- Drill Sergeant of the Year
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
- Master of Arts, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
- FBI National Academy Graduate
- Chief Executive Training
- Leadership in Police Organizations
- Management Training Level I,II,III
- Supervision Level I,II,III
- Criminal Investigations
- Homicide Investigations
- Internal Affairs Investigations
- Community Oriented Policing
- Crisis Intervention
- Interviews & Interrogations
- Search Warrants & Affidavits
- Advanced Psychological Profiling
- Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.)
- Safety in Our Schools (GA Emergency Management
- Certified Instructor
- Basic Police Course
- Basic Communication Officer Course
Training Highlights
Committees Served
- Local Interagency Planning Team, serving youth in the community
- Children in Need of Services, connecting youth and families to resources in the community
- Treatment and Accountability Court
- Career and Technical Executive Advisory Committee
- GA NOBLE Region 1 Vice President
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens Board of Directors
- GA Internal Affairs Investigators Association Executive Board
- Augusta Technical Law Enforcement Academy: Board President
Memberships
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- FBI National Academy Associates
Certifications
Law Enforcement Certifications:
- GA Chief’s Assessors Training
- GA Chief’s Managers Training
- GA Chief Executive Training
Instructor Certifications:
- Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT)
- Fair/Impartial Policing
- General Instructor
Community Outreach
- Provided leadership to the School Resource Officers, Youth Services, Crime Prevention, and Mental Health Services
- 32nd Citizen Police Academy Coordinator
Community Service
- Little League Football Coach
- OC High School Parent Council
i want to hear from you!
Email me with any questions or to volunteer for my campaign.
Donations are always appreciated!
