Marching Forward With History in Port Wentworth

By: Julius Hall

Areas of Port Wentworth have been a part of American history for 200 years regarding religion, African genius, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. History continues today. Kerry Thomas has been named the new Chief of the Port Wentworth Police Department. Chief Thomas native of Chatham County and is the first African American to hold that position.

Many remember him as a public servant and leader with the Savannah Police Department for decades. There he served as Assistant Chief of Police. Later he became the Chief of Police with the Chamblee Police Department.

Thomas has ties to the community as a resident of Port Wentworth and some with pride and fond fond remembrance remarked “he was a Marching Warrior (in the Herschel V. Jenkins High School Band)… riding with me to games to perform”. Today, Port Wentworth is marching into history with this appointment.

The historical moment doesn’t stop with Chief Thomas it continues with the historical appointment of the Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Rennie Walters is the first African American to serve in that position. He is an alumnus of Savannah State University. Walters will help to make up a dynamic team of law enforcement leadership in Chatham County.