Crisp County Sheriff Donnie Haralson has been named the “sheriff of the year” by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. Col. Billy Hancock who has been with the Crisp County Sheriff for 23 years has been honored as “deputy of the year.”
Haralson’s award which is given to one Georgia sheriff each year, is designed to recognize a sheriff who has made a significant contribution to the office of sheriff in Georgia.
A 33 year veteran of law enforcement, he began his professional career in 1977 as an officer with the Cordele Police Department. Eventually he became chief of police. He was appointed sheriff by Governor Joe Frank Harris 23 years ago, then was elected by the people in 1986, and now he has the distinction of being the longest sitting sheriff in Crisp County history.
Haralson has served as president of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, and currently sits on the board of directors. He has served on the board of directors for the Georgia Public Safety Board, presided as chairman for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and has been chairman for the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. He is a long standing member of the National Sheriffs’ Association.
“For 33 years, Sheriff Haralson has served and protected the citizens of our state,” said Terry Norris, executive director of the state Sheriffs’ Association. “He is a man of character and competence, and a proven leader. As a past president of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Sheriff Haralson positioned himself to offer his considerable skill and experience to all sheriffs and the citizens of our great state,” Norris added.
Hancock’s award recognizes him for his “outstanding contribution to the sheriff’s office and the community through exeptional achievement and performance of his duties in an exemplary manner,” according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Association.
“As chief deputy, he has performed his duties without hesitation, with a positive attitude and sheer pleasure,” Haralson said. “His dedication to the motto ‘Integrity First, Service Before Self" is always evident in his performance of his duties,” added the Crisp sheriff. “During the past seven years,” Haralson said, “as I battled renal cell carcinoma, Billy has without hesitation stepped up to the plate and made sure the sheriff’s office never missed a beat. His dedication to this office and our citizens is commendable. He deserves this award.”
Norris says, “Col. Hancock is an asset to the office of the sheriff and the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and the law enforcement community. “His expertise, passion for the law enforcement and public safety, and in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system is evident when he steps into a classroom,” Norris added.
Hancock has taught classes for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association for the past 10 years.
