Lawson seeks re-election to a second term as sheriff

GERALD S. LAWSON

Gerald S. Lawson has announced that he is seeking his second term as sheriff of Lincoln County.

"It has been an honor to serve all the citizens of this county, and I am proud to be your sheriff. I am running on my qualifications, experience, and record as sheriff."

As sheriff, Lawson was elected to serve as the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Region 6 vice president. He was also selected by his peers as a delegate with the 15th Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE). In May of 2007, the group traveled to Israel to train with the Israeli Police.

During his first term as sheriff, the candidate has accomplished the following:

.. He has increased the presence of law enforcement officers throughout the county, increased criminal investigations, and implemented a "house watch" initiative.

.. He has been responsible for a $1.2 million budget, 30 employees, and the operation of Lincoln County Law Enforcement Center.

During Sheriff Lawson's his time in office, the department has had five successful audits, with all funds accounted for.

.. The sheriff has made tremendous improvements to the jail, including refurbishing the building's appearance and upgrading the security of the facility.

.. He negotiated a contract with the United States Marshals to house and transport federal inmates. Housing federal prisoners as well as inmates from other counties in the jail has brought approximately $1.2 million in revenues into the county.

.. He started a successful reserve/ citizen volunteer program, resulting in savings for the county.

.. The sheriff continues to take a proactive approach to fighting the drug problem in Lincoln County.

Under his watch, 46 drug cases have been prosecuted, with approximately 20 cases pending prosecution. The property the sheriff's office has seized from drug dealers and users in the county amounts to close to $23,000.

Sheriff Lawson is a graduate of the Sheriffs Elect Academy, the National Sheriffs' Institute, and the Georgia Chiefs of Police Academy.

The sheriff also holds an associate of arts degree from Reinhardt College, a Bachelor of Science in education from UGA, and a master's degree in public administration from Jacksonville State University.

He is a member of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 194.

The candidate is married to the former Holly Burrell, a teacher at LCES. The couple has three children.

The Lawsons are active members of Pine Grove UMC.