Last month, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office held our annual Unity in the Community Barbeque. This was our sixth annual event which is designed to strengthen community bonds and allow the citizens of Dougherty County to socialize with and get to know the members of the Sheriff’s Office. The turnout was excellent and I want to personally thank everyone who came out to support the event. I hope you enjoyed the food and the fellowship and I invite you to come back next year.

Speaking of thanks and food, this month brings one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving. This is a uniquely American holiday set aside as a time for us to give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. I know there are a handful of other countries that have thanksgiving-type holidays; basically harvest festivals. As far as I know, only our holiday celebrates an attitude of thanksgiving. Only ours is specifically meant to thank God for the many blessings He bestows on us. 

Thanksgiving is a holiday with very deep meaning for me personally. My life has been so blessed in so many ways that it takes a special time of reflection to recount them all. I am thankful for my family, for my career, and for the people who have helped me, shaped me, and supported me along the way. I am thankful for this community and the support you give to all public safety, especially in these troubling times. With all that is going on across this country, and indeed all over the world, we are reminded daily of just how thankful we should be.

I am thankful to live in a country in which we can participate in government. A colleague of mine once said that there are three ways to participate in government: as an elected official, by serving on a jury, or by voting. I hope that everyone eligible has exercised their right to vote. I know that many of us are tired of all the political advertisements filling every television channel, but having the opportunity to vote is an enviable right that others have fought to attain. 

My sincere hope for this Thanksgiving is that every person who reads this article has the opportunity to really examine their life and recount all of their blessings. Some things are obvious, like the birth of a child or a promotion at work. Some may not be as apparent, like losing a job, which creates an opportunity to begin a more rewarding career; or an argument with a loved one that clears up an unresolved issue and brings you closer. Many blessings are hidden just beneath a thin layer of life. 

We only have one opportunity at the game called life, so remember to be thankful for each and every day that God blesses you with. Remember those who have lost loved ones this year and will be spending his or her first Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday alone. Please call my office at 229-431-3259 whenever we can be of service, and have a happy Thanksgiving.

About Sheriff Kevin Sproul