NCSO August 2026 newsletter
JANUARY 20
A MOMENT WITH BEHIND THE BADGE: A REFLECTION ON SERVICE AND COMMUNITY As we enter September, summer is beginning to give way to fall. Children have returned to school, families have settled back into their routines, and our community is looking ahead to the final months of the year. August reminds us that life is always moving forward. We cannot stop time, but we can choose how we spend it. As sheriff of Newton County, I believe that applies not only to our personal lives, but also to how we serve others and care for our community. Newton County is more than its roads, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, churches, farms and towns. Newton County is its people. It is the parent walking a child to the school bus, the teacher preparing a classroom, the small-business owner opening the doors before sunrise, the senior who has spent decades helping build this community and the young person thinking about what the future may hold. Every person has a part to play in making Newton County a better place. A strong community is built when people are willing to help one another, look out for their neighbors and take pride in where they live. That spirit was evident throughout August and is something we should carry with us into the months ahead. August also gave us an opportunity to think about the relationship between law enforcement and the people we serve. National Night Out, held each year on the first Tuesday of August, brings neighbors and law enforcement together through gatherings, cookouts, festivals, activities for children and other community events. The importance of National Night Out goes beyond one evening. Keeping our community safe is something we all share. A deputy cannot be everywhere, and no one person can see everything. But when neighbors look out for one another, share information, care for children and seniors and stay connected with law enforcement, everyone benefits. When a citizen knows a deputy’s name and a deputy understands the concerns of the people he or
she serves, trust begins to grow. The badge becomes more than a sign of authority. It becomes a reminder that the men and women who wear it are here to serve and help. That is the kind of relationship we should continue building throughout Newton County. August also marked a new school year for thousands of young people. School is about more than books, homework and tests. For many children, it is a place where they find new opportunities, make friends, build confidence and begin thinking about their future. Sometimes, one teacher, coach, counselor, mentor, law enforcement officer or community leader can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. As our children return to school, every adult in Newton County has a part in keeping them safe and helping them succeed. Please continue to slow down in school zones, pay attention around school buses, watch for children crossing the road and be patient in traffic. Most importantly, take time to encourage a young person. A simple “I believe in you” can stay with a child for years. We should never underestimate the difference a few kind words can make. August was also National Wellness Month, which encourages people to pay attention to their health and daily habits. Taking care of ourselves allows us to better care for the people around us. That means paying attention not only to our physical health, but also to our mental and emotional well-being. It means making time for family, friends and the people who support us. Life can be difficult, and everyone faces challenges that others may never see. Sometimes being strong means asking for help. Sometimes it means taking a step back, getting some rest and giving yourself time to reset. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is part of being prepared to care for others. August also served as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect. People will not always agree. We come from dif-
SHERIFF BROWN ferent backgrounds and have different beliefs and opinions. That is part of living in a community. But we can disagree without being disrespectful. This is especially important when dealing with one another during difficult situations. A citizen may be angry. A family member may be scared. A victim may be upset. Someone going through a difficult time may not act the way we expect. These moments call for patience, understanding and respect. The same is true in our everyday lives. How we speak to our neighbors matters. How we treat people who are different from us matters. How we respond when we disagree matters. Respect is something we should show before we ask others to show it to us. As we move toward the final months of 2026, August gives us a chance to look back and think about where we have been and where we are going. Where have we done well? Where can we improve? Who have we helped? Who might we have overlooked? What kind of community are we building for our children? Our success will not only be measured by numbers, buildings or accomplishments. It will be measured by the people we have helped. It will be measured by the child who received encouragement, the victim who was treated with respect, the family that received help during a difficult time, the senior who felt safe and the neighbor who felt heard. It will also be measured by the person who qui-
Sheriff Ezell Brown
Newton County, GA
etly did the right thing when no one was watching. August has now given way to September. Summer is becoming fall, and another chapter of the year is beginning. As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons August gave us: the importance of community, service, health, respect, teamwork and hope. Most of all, let us remember that the future of Newton County is not something that simply happens. We build it together. As sheriff, I am honored to serve the citizens of this remarkable community alongside the dedicated men and women of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Our commitment remains the same: to protect with courage, serve with compassion, lead with honesty and treat every person we encounter with dignity and respect. Together, we can continue making Newton County an even safer, stronger and better place to live, work, worship, raise a family and call home.
about the agency The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.” The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left. The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
agency ’ s contact numbers 678-625-1403 SHERIFF’S SECRETARY 678-625-1401 JAIL INFORMATION 678-625-1420 JAIL FAX 678-625-1450 INVESTIGATIONS 678-625-1412 INVESTIGATION FAX 678-625-1451 PATROL UNIT 678-625-1410 TRAFFIC UNIT 678-625-1469 WARRANT UNIT 678-625-1411 WEST SIDE PRECINCT 770-788-7812 EAST SIDE PRECINCT 770-243-8227 TIP LINE 678-625-5007
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scan the QR code to download our app today! @newtonsheriffga
NCSO GRADUATES 17 OFFICERS FROM BASIC SWAT TRAINING CLASS
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated 17 law enforcement officers from the agency’s Basic SWAT Training Course, held Aug. 10-14, 2026. This intensive 50-hour course marks a significant milestone for the agency, offering hands-on instruction in advanced tactical skills. Officers were trained in a wide range of specialized techniques, including SWAT operator equipment and firearms proficiency, building-clearing techniques, hostage rescue tactics, use of less-lethal tools, flashbang diversionary devices, breaching methods, vehicle assaults and operational planning. Designed to enhance readiness for high-risk situations, the training focused on sharpening individual skills, building cohesive teamwork and improving strategic planning under pressure. Participating agencies in the course included the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Butts County Sheriff’s
Office, Lilburn Police Department, Conyers Police Department and Department of Juvenile Justice. “This achievement is about more than completing a course; it demonstrates a strong commitment to serving our community at the highest level,” said Sheriff Brown. “These officers dedicated countless hours to developing the tactical skills needed to respond effectively to high-risk situations. Their commitment strengthens the safety and security of the communities we serve. With 22 years of experience as a SWAT officer, I reminded them that training is never truly finished. It is something that must be continually practiced and refined throughout a law enforcement career.” He added, “I also want to recognize the instructors for their leadership and dedication to this program. Their efforts played an important role in making this training a continued success.”Sheriff Brown and the NCSO extend congratulations to all graduates and commend them for their dedication to advancing their capabilities in service to public safety.
A HEARTFELT GIFT THAT REFLECTS THE POWER OF SERVICE In August, a thoughtful gift was presented to Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, carrying with it a story that goes far beyond the gesture itself. Mrs. Trisha Furphy visited the Sheriff’s Office to present a special gift to Sheriff Ezell Brown and members of the agency. The visit was especially meaningful because of the longstanding connection between Mrs. Furphy and the Sheriff’s Office. Years ago, Sheriff Brown and Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were there to support Mrs. Furphy during one of the most difficult moments of her life. Their involvement left a lasting impression, and over the years, that connection has grown into one of friendship and mutual appreciation. Her recent visit offered an opportunity to return to the Sheriff’s Office not as someone in need of assistance, but as a friend offering a thoughtful gift and a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact that service and compassion can have. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have been part of Mrs. Furphy’s story and grateful that she continues to be part of the agency’s story. Her generosity serves as a meaningful reminder that the relationships built through public service can last long after a single call for assistance has ended.
NCSO TFO GRIJALVA BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER IN SERVICE After 19 years of dedicated service to Newton County, TFO Ary Grijalva officially concluded his full-time service with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 19, 2026. While his full-time role with the agency has come to an end, TFO Grijalva will continue serving the community as a reserve deputy with the Special Investigations Division (SID). Although the agency may be bidding farewell to his full-time service, his continued involvement means this is not quite goodbye. Throughout his 19 years with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, TFO Grijalva has contributed to the agency’s mission and served the residents of Newton County with dedication. His decision to continue serving as a reserve deputy reflects his ongoing commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the community. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office congratulate TFO Grijalva on his well-deserved retirement from full-time service and thank him for 19 years of dedication to Newton County.
WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Brieanna Reddick Deputy Sheriff, Certified
Keiara Paige
Deputy Sheriff, Recruit
Monica Hunter Detention Technician
Catalata Hardeman Administrative Technician
Antley Staten Detention Officer
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you to the team!
COMMITMENT loyalty
sacrifice dedication
www.newtonsheriffga.org www.newtonsheriffga.org