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ZEBULON - Two candidates have qualified to run for Sheriff in the November 2024 election: Jimmy Thomas (Incumbent) and Jamal Willis (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.]"
Each candidate responded. Their responses are printed exactly as they sent them to Pike County Times.
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
Jamal Willis (Challenger)
Greetings, Pike County citizens.
My name is Jamal Willis, and I am running for Sheriff because I genuinely love serving our community and protecting our citizens. Over the past seven years, while working for the Sheriff’s Office, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the strengths and challenges we face.
One of my top priorities is making the Sheriff’s office a great workplace where the Officers feel supported and appreciated while being held accountable. Working in law enforcement is difficult, and a positive, collaborative environment is essential to decrease the high turnover and retain our workforce. I aim to implement strategies to keep the great men and women currently employed and recruit and keep the best of the best to serve and protect our rapidly expanding county with unity and respect. I want to provide our officers with career advancement paths, training, competitive pay, and mental health support.
Additionally, I want to implement more community involvement to build trust and foster open communication between law enforcement, residents, and local organizations. I believe this partnership is key to our success.
Another area I will focus on is prevention. I want to educate young adults on the dangers of experimenting with street drugs in hopes of preventing drug use and tragedies in our community.
I am committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens. School safety will be a top priority. We currently have two Deputies doing an excellent job for our schools, but that is unacceptable for the number of students and staff that make up our school system.
I am the best candidate because I have firsthand experience working within the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, and I know what must be changed for the employees and our community. It takes tremendous teamwork for a successful operation of the Sheriff’s Office, and as our community continues to grow, our processes must also evolve. I am focused on being proactive and not reactive. Criminals are getting more advanced daily, and we must also advance. I will maintain an open-door policy to ALL citizens and transparency throughout my term, not just every four years. The citizens of Pike deserve much more, and I have and will be devoted to having a team that will fight to do just that. Thank you for your support. “1team1fight”
Jamal Willis for Sheriff on Facebook
Closing
For more information about the November 5, 2024 election including early voting dates and times, Saturday voting, and how to obtain an absentee ballot, go to: pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSNovember2024election.html.