Sheriff’s Office awards several commendations
Fetching Featured August 9, 2020GCSO Employee Spotlight Communications Officer Chris Prince
Fetching Featured August 2, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Communications Officer Chris Prince. Prince has been employed with GCSO for 3.5 years as a Dispatcher in the 911 Center since day one.
Chris is a 2013 graduate of Copper Basin High School in Copperhill, Tennessee. His very first job was working at O’Reilly Auto Parts as a Parts Salesman.
Chris says his hobbies are spending time with his wife and children, hunting, fishing, and watching Nascar. He listed “anything BBQ” as his favorite food, “Remember the Titans” and/or “Days of Thunder” as his favorite movies, and said that Gatlinburg, Tennessee is his favorite place to vacation.
When asked what is one thing most people don’t know about him, he said he actually “writes amatuer sports articles for fun for a website called ‘Belly Up Sports.'”
Chris lists “the people I work with and helping the community” as his favorite part of his job here at GCSO.
Thanks for the difficult job you do for GCSO and Gilmer County citizens, Chris!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
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GCSO Employee Spotlight Sgt. Gene Hefner
Fetching Featured July 26, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Sgt. Gene Hefner. Gene has been employed with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. Gene’s tenure here was briefly interrupted by a year-long stint in Kosovo in 2011 while serving with the National Guard.
Gene is a 2004 graduate of Cherokee High School in Canton, Georgia.
He honorably served with the National Guard for six years. His first job was as a Cashier at Kroger.
During his time with GCSO, he has served in the jail as a Detention Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant. He has been with the Uniform Patrol Division as a Deputy Sheriff, Corporal, and currently serves as a Sergeant since being promoted in August of 2018. In 2018, Gene was awarded a “Combat Award Certificate” at our annual awards banquet.
Gene listed his hobbies as fishing, hunting, and golf. He says pizza is his favorite food, “Cool Hand Luke” is his favorite movie, and the beach is his favorite place to vacation.
What many people may not know about Gene is he and his wife became foster parents about one year ago.
When asked about his favorite part of his job here at GCSO, he states “my coworkers.”
Gene, we sincerely hope working here with all of us has not caused you to go bald in your 30’s!! THANK YOU for the job you do for GCSO and Gilmer citizens!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
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Deputies recognized for their lifesaving efforts
Fetching Featured July 19, 2020Sheriff says goodbye to three retiring deputies
Fetching Featured July 19, 2020
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GCSO Employee Spotlight Acting Sgt. Lexia Robinson
Fetching Featured July 19, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Lexia Robinson. Lexia has been employed with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office for over 3 years. She is a Detention Officer in our Detention Center, and is currently serving as Acting Sergeant on her shift.
Lexia obtained her GED in 2001. She worked her first ever job as a waitress at the age of 13 years old!
Lexia has listed her hobbies as walking her dog in public, auto mechanics, shooting, campfires, and she enjoys nature and the outdoors. She says her favorite food is steak, favorite movie is anything “Avengers.” She is undecided on her favorite place to vacation and says she is an “open book” when asked what people might not know about her.
When asked her favorite part of her job at GCSO, she said she loves watching people improve.
Her Captain, Carol Daves, says Lexia is a true team player, that she is always available when she is needed.
Thanks, Lexia, for the job you do for GCSO and Gilmer County citizens!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
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GCSO Employee Spotlight Detention Officer Wilson Giorgione
Fetching Featured July 12, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Detention Officer Wilson Giorgione. Wilson has been employed with GCSO for just under one year and works in our Detention Center.
Wilson is a 2019 graduate of Sonoraville High School in Calhoun, Georgia. Landscaping was his very first job.
The only hobby Wilson has listed is “working out.” He says his favorite movie is “John Wick,” his favorite food is “grilled chicken and white rice,” and says his favorite place to vacation is Florida. He said his favorite thing about his job here at GCSO is his coworkers.
He didn’t have an answer when asked what is one thing most people don’t know about him, but one of his coworkers answered for him and simply says he is an “absolute 100% sweetheart.” We also learned that Wilson is named after his maternal grandfather, Darrell Wilson, who is a retired Asst. District Attorney from our Appalachian Judicial Circuit.
It is truly encouraging to see people like Wilson beginning their law enforcement careers at such an early age!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
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Loudon Patrol Sergeant promoted to rank of Criminal Investigations Detective
Fetching Featured July 5, 2020LENOIR CITY, Tn. – Sheriff Tim Guider and Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis announced the promotion of a LCSO Patrol Sergeant to the rank of Detective Sergeant earlier today.
Sergeant Jerramie Bowen, who started as a part-time Deputy Sheriff in 1999, is a 21 year veteran of the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office. Bowen was hired as a full-time Corrections Deputy in 2003 and went on to graduate the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2005 when he was moved to the Patrol Division. In 2011, Bowen was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant where he has since overseen the day-to-day operations of the agencies Midnight Shift Squad.
After a formal interview process, which included an external interview panel made up of Investigators from the Knoxville Police Department, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Bowen was selected to fill a vacancy left in LCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division after the retirement of Detective Sergeant Patrick Upton.
Sergeant Bowen resides in Lenoir City, and along with his wife of 25 years, Julie, they have two children, Zane and Caleb.
GCSO Employee Spotlight Detective Scott Camp
Fetching Featured June 28, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Detective Scott Camp. Scott has been working for GCSO for 16.5 years. During that time, he has worked as a Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, and School Resource Officer. He has worked in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) as a Detective and Evidence Custodian since 2012.
The winner of MANY awards here at GCSO, he has been recognized as: Detention Officer of the Year in 2005, Deputy of the Year in 2011, Detective of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014, and he also received the Sheriff’s Citation Medal in 2017.
Scott is a 1993 graduate of Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia. His very first job was at a Hardee’s in Douglasville.
Scott lists his hobbies as fishing, camping, anything outdoors, gardening, any sports, video games, and playing games. He says his favorite food is steak and shrimp, favorite movies he likes is anything James Bond, and his favorite place to vacation is Casey Key, Florida.
When asked about his favorite part of his job at GCSO, he says he enjoys helping people, and that he especially likes recovering stolen property.
On the question to name one thing people might not know about him, Scott says he began losing his hair at the age of 17! As the post narrator, I’d also like to add that he once saved a puppy from a wrecked car that slid down the embankment next to the river!
GCSO thanks you for your outstanding service and the many years you have dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Gilmer County!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
GCSO Employee Spotlight Deputy Sheriff Kenny Wiggins
Fetching Featured June 21, 2020Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Deputy Kenny Wiggins. As one of our longest employed, Kenny has been working for GCSO for the last 25 years! During that time, he has worked as a Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant (Watch Commander), and his most recent position as School Resource Officer at Mountain View Elementary.
Kenny is a 1978 graduate of Gilmer High School. After graduating, he honorably served in the United States Navy from 1979-1993. His very first job was working at Gilmer Park & Rec in the early 70’s helping the maintenance crew with the upkeep of the ball fields.
Between the Navy and beginning at GCSO, Kenny worked two years from 1991-1993 on the base as Master at Arms Force of Fleet Combat Training Center (FCTCL), Atlantic as a Patrol Officer. He then worked one year as a Jail Officer with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office from 1993-1994.
Kenny lists his hobbies as trout fishing, Nascar, and studying history, especially American history and the history of Native Americans of the Southeastern U.S. He says his favorite food is southern cuisine, particularly cornbread, pinto beans, fried potatoes, corn on the cob, fried okra for dinner then biscuits and gravy with eggs and bacon or sausage with a big cup of black coffee for breakfast! When asked his favorite movie, he says: “Anything by John Wayne but if I had to choose one of his it would be “In Harm’s Way.” He also said one of the best westerns ever made is “Shane.” He lists “anywhere in southern Appalachia and Yellowstone” as his favorite place to vacation.
When asked what is something most people wouldn’t know about him, he said he is a “very tenderhearted person when it comes to animals,” wishing it was feasible that he could take in all cats and dogs that need to be loved.
Kenny says his favorite part of his job here at GCSO is “the people I work with. There is no better group of people to work with than what Sheriff Nicholson has assembled here at GCSO.”
We THANK YOU, Deputy Wiggins, for your lifelong service to your country, to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Gilmer County citizens!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
Murray receives support and aid from neighbor after storms rip through homes
Fetching Featured April 19, 2020What does being a good neighbor mean? Is it offering a smile and a wave? Is it politeness and concern for each other? Is it offering a helping hand when the need is there? What about moving past two people on a street, and considering neighboring counties?
Gilmer County was hit somewhat hard early in the week by storms. Citizens without power, sheltering in safe zones due to concerns from tornadoes. Yet, just west of us, there wasn’t just concern, there was fear. They had more than just a scare where they sheltered and came out a bit later with some wind damage and power gone. Murray County was hit much harder with two tornadoes confirmed to have touched down.
But as these people spent part of their week after Easter picking up and trying to piece life back together, their “neighbor” saw an opportunity. Easter is about new life, in any way you celebrate it. Restoration, redemption, these became more than just themes for people of Gilmer County this week.
On April 15, 2020, a post went up on the Gilmer Sheriff’s Social Media page, a post asking for a little help to provide for our neighbor next door.
The Sheriff’s Office asked, “As our community is well aware, our neighbors in Murray County were hit hard by the tornado at the beginning of the week. We are taking donations to deliver to a few Murray County churches.”
The post listed items like cases of water, non-perishable food items, hygiene items, and diapers. Despite the virus outbreak, despite health concerns, people showed up and not only offered to take donations, but told citizens with donations to drive by and call, and they would come unload the donations from cars. Maintaining little-to-no contact for those wanting to help. This effort provided for a need, but provided safety for those helping as well.
Volunteers spent two days collecting items from cars on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17.
It wasn’t just from Gilmer though. Citizens and volunteers from Murray, more than 250 volunteers, showed up at Bagley Middle School on Tuesday to help the community recover from two tornadoes that ripped through Murray County on Easter Sunday.
In fact, response from citizens has been so involved and overwhelming, that Gilmer is turning a small helping donations collection over two days, into over a week long effort to support those whose homes were impacted.
The Sheriff’s Office posted saying,
THANK YOU to everybody who has generously donated for the victims of the Murray Co. tornado!!
We are having such a good response, we have decided to continue accepting donations at the Gilmer County Detention Center THROUGH NEXT FRIDAY, April 24th ONLY from 7:30AM to 4:00PM, M-F. We ask that you stay in your car, call 706-635-4625 and ask for Carla or Heather. One of them will come unload your car for you. We are asking for donations of:
~Cases of water
~Non-perishable food items
~Hygiene items
~Diapers
(Due to COVID-19 concerns, clothing can not be accepted)
More and more, setbacks and issues in the recent months, from viruses, to shortages, to storms and tornadoes, people are rising up. Neighbors are coming together. Care and Concern are winning out. A new normal has dawned and people are discouraged from touching each other. No comforting hugs or sorrowful embraces can be seen. Yet, people are finding ways to step up, serve, and offer a hand to help each other stand, to reinforce each other against the trials of the day. A new normal, indeed. But a normal that is shining more and more light on humanity’s resilience.
A helping-hand gets sanitized amid health concerns
Fetching Featured April 5, 2020GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Many have taken time in the recent weeks to say a special thank you to law-enforcement and emergency workers who are still at risk and cannot always maintain a “social distance” during their work.
This week saw another highlight in the community as two business owners stepped up to not only say thank you to those in service, but to provide a real need for them.
Laura Thomas is the owner and founder of Green Willow Soap in Ellijay. Her and her staff have been working hard this week to provide hand sanitizer to the public safety agencies in Gilmer. In fact, Gilmer Fire & Rescue, Ellijay Police, Ellijay Fire, East Ellijay Police, and the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office have all received hand sanitizer for their agents.
Thomas said, “All of the First Responders have received hand sanitizer to help them through their difficult jobs. GOD Bless them and protect them as they serve the people of Gilmer County.”
Heads of these agencies told FYN that the donation has answered a need as they have had difficulties purchasing and providing enough sanitizer during shortages. Creating and supplying the donation, Thomas said “My ladies have been working so hard to make this happen for our community.”
Gilmer County Fire & Rescue has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our private citizens, as well as our local business leaders. On Wednesday 4/1/2020 Green Willow Soap generously donated around 100 bottles of individual hand sanitizers for each of our fire and rescue crew members. This donation of hand sanitizer will greatly assist with our mission of keeping our hands clean when soap and water may not be readily available at the conclusion of a 911 call. We greatly appreciate them thinking of us during a time when anti-bacterial supplies are in short demand and hard to obtain.”
But Green Willow Soap is not the only business answering this need. Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said that earlier this month, around March 20, Danny Postell and Huff’s Drugs donated handmade hand sanitizer as well.
Sheriff Nicholson stated, “These generous donations of hand sanitizer have been huge in respect to our deputies’ safety. We have had a hard time buying it because of the high demand. But Huffs and Green Willow came through not only with the “product” but provided it in a manner that we could give individual bottles to deputies to keep with them. The donation from both was very much appreciated.”
Kauffman noted another donation for Gilmer Fire & Rescue saying, “We would also like to thank The Majestic Bee Bakery for dropping off boxes of individually wrapped cookies. While it is a small gesture of kindness, the smiles from the crews are huge and show how much they appreciate these care packages.”
In addition to local businesses donating, Kauffman said they have had private citizens show their support in many ways. Some of the items that have been donated to Gilmer County Fire Rescue include; N-95 face masks, surgical face masks, homemade face mask, gift cards, and baked goods. Nicholson also pointed to several donations, the Sheriff’s office have added thank you notes to their social media for donations from Pizza King and Mindy K’s Bakery.
Gilmer’s public safety professionals have said they are very appreciative of our local citizens and businesses thinking of them and supporting them during this crisis.