Every individual in our community makes a difference. We all have opportunities to act in a way that promotes the common good, or causes friction. I made this statement in last month’s article while acknowledging and thanking those who do make a difference in our community. I mention this because I am very fortunate to have many individuals at the Sheriff’s Office who work beyond their normal duties to make a difference in our community. I want to highlight two of those employees, Lieutenant Terron Hayes and Colonel Sabrina Lewis, both of them have a hard time saying “no”, are always putting others first, and always accept new challenges/tasks when asked to do so.

Lieutenant Hayes works around the clock dealing with our children and the many challenges they face. His hours vary from day to day depending upon the next crisis that awaits him. You may have seen him in the “Beyond Scared Straight” episodes aired on the A & E network. Lt. Hayes works on a very limited budget and each year conducts the “Building Unity in the Community” golf tournament; the proceeds of which help fund the CHAMPS Summer Camp and many other endeavors. The many programs he carries out would not be possible without your assistance. This year’s golf tournament will be held on Monday, April 6, at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club. Golfer registration will begin at 11:45 am with lunch to follow at 12:00 noon. Shotgun start will be at 1:00 pm. Registration is $65.00 per person with 4 person teams. For those who don’t play golf but are interested in helping, there are $100.00 hole sponsorships and corporate sponsorships available. All proceeds from this event will be used solely for our crime prevention and intervention programs.  Please call Lt. Hayes at (229) 344-4363 or (229) 431-3259 if you are interested. 

Colonel Lewis seems to always be looking for an opportunity to assist the next person. Her Godly spirit is very evident in everything she does. I have had the opportunity to watch her grow as a person and employee during her 26 year career with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office. She was hired in 1989 as an administrative secretary in the booking and bonding section of our office.  While working here, she pursued and obtained several college degrees. On and off the job, she has faced many challenges. She believes as the book of Genesis states, that which was meant for evil (to harm her), God intended it for good (to accomplish that which is now being done). Colonel Lewis stays actively involved in community relations by being a member on the Criminal Justice Advisory Boards of Darton College and Albany Technical College, the Governor’s Office of Support and Transition for returning citizens, and the Southwest Georgia Re-Entry Program for citizens returning from prison and jail. Additionally, she participates in the Special Olympics annual fundraising event(s). Because of her positive community efforts and interactions, she has received the high honor of “Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year” twice in her 26 year career.       

Col. Lewis and Lt. Hayes are two employees that are community oriented and always go above and beyond the call of duty; however, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office has plenty more and I will be highlighting them in future articles.   

If the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office can ever assist you in any way, call (229) 431-3259.

About Sheriff Kevin Sproul