Sheriffs, the highest elected local law enforcement officers, make toplevel decisions for their counties. Their responsibilities are more diverse than ever and are no longer strictly traditional law enforcement. Today, sheriffs are responsible for criminal justice as a whole, including courts, jail, prisoner transportation, traffic enforcement and law enforcement.

To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of Sheriff, sheriffs must be knowledgeable of best practices, procedures, and research in law enforcement, corrections, and court security. Current concerns of law enforcement as they relate to the Office of Sheriff are addressed during training conferences sponsored by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, Inc.

Lincoln County Sheriff, Gerald Lawson, recently returned from the association's annual Summer Training Conference held in Glynn County, July 25 27. Over one hundred and ten chief law enforcement officers from around the state participated in the three-day event. The sheriffs participated in training seminars, the elections of 2006 2007 officers and various association business meetings.

The conference was devoted to training sessions to update the sheriffs on topics relevant to the field of law enforcement. Expert speakers provided training to the sheriffs on matters such as new legislation, mental health issues, the sex offender registry, and Homeland and court security.

The sheriffs also heard from representatives of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Other highlights of the conference included the installation of the 2006 2007 officers for the association. The newly elected officers include: White County Sheriff Neal Walden, president; Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley, first vice president; Jefferson County Sheriff Gary Hutchins, second vice president; McDuffie County Sheriff Logan Marshall, secretary-treasurer; and Lincoln County Sheriff Gerald Lawson, region 6 vice president. Special guest, Governor Sonny Perdue, presided over the installation ceremony and administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers.

New officers installed for the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes, Inc. included: Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards, president; Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle, first vice president; Bib County Sheriff Jerry Modena, second vice president; and Murray County Sheriff Howard Ensley, secretary-treasurer. The Honorable Chuck Byrd, general counsel for the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, Inc., presided over the installation ceremony and administered the oath of the office to the newly elected officers.

On Wednesday during the annual Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes luncheon, youth representing the four campuses were recognized and honored as the Youth of the Year.

Among the several awards presented during the conference, Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager was honored as the Sheriff of the Year for the Georgia Sheriffs' Association. He was selected for this honor for his outstanding contributions to the Office of Sheriff, law enforcement, and the community.

Lownde's County's Ashley Paulk was presented the President's Award in recognition of his service and dedication to the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes. Sheriff Paulk earned this honor for his unselfish commitment and support of Georgia's abused and abandoned children.

Two Deputy of the Year awards were presented in two categories. Crisp County's Steve Rankin was presented Deputy of the Year Award of Valor. Deputy Rankin was selected for the award for an act of conspicuous heroism and bravery in the line of duty. During a routine traffic stop in February 2006 he was shot and beaten. Throughout his ordeal he maintained his calm and was able to provide pertinent information that led to the arrest of the perpetrator.

Hall County's Jack Wimpy was presented the Deputy of the Year Award of Professionalism. Deputy Wimpy earned this honor through his outstanding contribution to the Office of Sheriff and the community through exceptional achievement and performance of duties in an exemplary manner. He is a skilled negotiator and has been instrumental in saving lives, both citizens and deputies, throughout the years.

Forsyth County's Harold Adair received the Meritorious Service Award, an award initiated by the sheriffs to recognize private citizens who have assisted law enforcement in some outstanding capacity. Adair has volunteered his time assisting staff at the Adult Detention Center for the past eighteen years, never accepting pay. He is a staunch supporter of law enforcement and public safety.

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association, Inc. is comprised of 159 elected sheriffs with the support of over 45,000 honorary members throughout the state who recognize and appreciate the service of the constitutional office of sheriff and the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes, Inc.