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ZEBULON - Two candidates have qualified to run for Sheriff on the Republican ballot on May 21, 2024: Jimmy Thomas (Incumbent) and Scott Gray (Challenger). Candidates are listed in the order that they qualified for office.
Pike County Times contacted each candidate and requested the following: "Please send a 500 word or less statement about why you're running for office and why you're the best candidate to editor@pikecountytimes.com so I can print it on an election information page. Please include your contact information, website, etc. [Note from the Editor: PLEASE NOTE: I will not be printing anything that says anything about your opponents. This is strictly why you are the best candidate for whatever office you're running for.]"
Jimmy Thomas (Incumbent)
I have had the honor of serving the past twenty-three years, as the Sheriff of Pike County. Married to Margaret Thomas with three children, Jason and Erin Thomas, Janna and Kell Brannon, and Jamie. Four grandchildren, June Brannon, Jase Brannon, Rory-Leigh Thomas, and Haisley- Grace Thomas.Police academy graduate in 1980. Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, University of Georgia Management training, 2000 Sheriff’s Elect training, and multiple advanced training certificates. Served on the founding board of youth football program, youth baseball board, vice president of Pike County Pirate Diamond Club, President of Lady Pirate booster club, and youth softball board.
Received community service award from United Men of Pike, Kiwanis Citizen of the year, Regional Organized Crime Information Center award of excellence, two awards for humanitarian assistance after hurricane Katrina, National Equipment Register award for theft recovery, Drug Enforcement Administration award for service investigating an international drug organization, 2012 and 2013 Griffin Judicial circuit agency of the year, 2022 American Legion Post 197 law enforcement officer of the year.
Currently serve as a board member for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities after being appointed by the Governor. Served on the All Hazards Council, and advisory board for police academy. Former small business owner. Forty three years serving in public safety.
Re-Elect Sheriff Jimmy Thomas on Facebook
Scott Gray (Challenger)
Pike County Friends,I have served in law enforcement for over 30 years and believe in the U.S. Constitution and the delivery of quality law enforcement services. I am a proven law enforcement professional and hold 2 Master of Science Degrees (Criminal Justice and Public Safety Administration). I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Georgia Command College, and in coming President of the Georgia Chief’s Association. I retired from the Henry County Police Department in 2017 and was appointed Chief of Police where I have been since retiring.
I am a conservative that knows we are facing challenges in our community and as we grow we will need a proven, experienced, and skilled sheriff to help tackle these complex issues. Through transparency, community engagement, and an inclusive work environment together we can keep Pike County Pirate Strong. I am committed to giving Pike County the best possible law enforcement services.
As Sheriff, we would keep our schools safe, would solicit community feedback, be accountable to our citizens, and use fair policing practices. We would obtain State of Georgia certification to ensure we are using best policing practices. We would be transparent in those practices and be community policing oriented. We would increase staffing levels to meet our growing population and challenges.
As a servant leader, I believe that along with our citizens, our employees are a valuable part of the organization. We would create an inclusive environment for our employees to thrive in the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Through an environment of trust and transparency, our deputies and staff could maximize theirs and the departments fullest potential. As a servant leader, I have seen first hand how creating an environment of trust and openness helps employees be better law enforcement professionals, by giving them a voice in the organizations path and culture we can create a welcoming environment for everyone.
We are facing tough issues such as drug abuse, gangs, and other threats to the safety of our citizens. Some people may deny these problems exist, but we cannot. We need a proven, community, and employee-oriented leader to help tackle these threats. I believe I am that leader, a leader that will listen to the people and come up with solutions that help Pike County continue to be Pirate Strong. Thank you for your support.
Visit us on Facebook at Elect Scott Gray Pike County Sheriff or scottgrayforsheriff.com.
Closing
Whoever wins the Republican seat in May may be on the ballot in November against an Independent candidate if that candidate gathers enough signatures between now and his deadline which is scheduled to be met after the May election.
For more information about the May 21, 2024 election including early voting dates and times, Saturday voting, and how to obtain an absentee ballot, go to: pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSelection2024info.html.