May 2025

NCSO may 2025 newsletter

JANUARY 20

A MOMENT WITH HONORING DUTY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BEYOND Each year, the month of May brings with it powerful reminders of service, sacrifice and the sacred calling to protect and serve. For those of us in law enforcement, and for the communities we are sworn to protect, this month is both a time of reflection and a celebration of courage.

National Police Week (May 11–17) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) provide an opportunity to pause and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty — officers who faced danger headon and remained faithful to their call. Later in the month, we as a nation observe Memorial Day (May 26), honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Both occasions remind us of one profound truth: freedom, peace and public safety come at a price.

That price is paid by individuals who embody selflessness, courage and a deep love for others — a calling that is not just professional but spiritual.

TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Let me begin by speaking directly to each of you — the deputies, investigators, detention officers, administrative staff, chaplains and volunteers who make up the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, I thank God for you.

You have chosen a path that is not easy. You leave your homes each day not knowing what you may face. You answer calls at all hours. You intervene in moments of chaos. You offer comfort to victims and hold accountable those who violate the law. Whether in a patrol vehicle, the detention center, the courtroom or behind a desk, you are part of a mission that matters.

I urge you to reflect on why you answered the call.

Not for glory. Not for power. But because something inside of you knew that your life was meant to serve others. That is what makes this profession different.

It is not just a job; it is a commitment. It is a covenant.

We also remember our fallen brothers and sisters in law enforcement — those who gave their lives in service to their communities. This month, and every month, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office remembers our fallen hero, Investigator Justin White. His service, sacrifice and dedication to this community will never be forgotten.

TO THE CITIZENS OF NEWTON COUNTY AND BEYOND: Thank you for your continued trust, prayers and support. Law enforcement cannot function effectively without the community. It never has, and it never will.

As your Sheriff, I want you to know that the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is committed not only to enforcing the law but to building bridges, fostering trust and pursuing justice with integrity and compassion. We are not here to operate above the community, but within it and beside it. Our work is about relationships, not just regulation.

In a time when the national conversation about policing often includes mistrust and division, let Newton County serve as a model of what it looks like when the community and law enforcement work together. That is what National Police Week is all about — not only honoring officers but deepening our connection with the communities we serve.

May is also a time to reflect as Americans. Memorial Day reminds us that peace has a price. Every freedom we enjoy, from our right to speak freely to our right to live safely, is secured by the sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Their courage, like that of our peace officers, must never be taken for granted.

Some people view law enforcement as just a profession. But for many of us, it is a calling. That does not mean we preach sermons or hold Sunday services in uniform, but it does mean that our work is an extension of a divine purpose.

Romans 13:4 speaks of those in authority, “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.”

SHERIFF BROWN What a reminder that our badge is not just a symbol of power, it is a symbol of responsibility and servanthood.

Being faithful to the call means standing firm in our convictions, even when the road is rough. It means treating everyone with dignity and fairness.

It means protecting the vulnerable. And it means never forgetting that we are accountable not only to the law, but to the God who gave us the authority to serve.

As we enter into June, I ask that we all, whether in uniform or not, take a moment to rededicate ourselves to our shared values: faith, integrity, service, accountability, and respect. These are not just words on a wall. They are the principles that hold our office and our community together.

Let us be reminded that there is strength in unity.

That hope lives in service. And that peace is possible when we walk together.

Let us teach our children to honor those who serve. Let us support the families of the fallen. Let us pray for those still on the front lines. And let us never grow weary in well doing.

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, GA

To every Newton County Sheriff’s Office member, you are appreciated, respected and honored.

Your faithfulness to the call inspires me every day.

To the people of Newton County, you are not just residents, but partners in peace. Your prayers and presence make all the difference.

And to the families who have lost loved ones in law enforcement or military service, we carry their memory with us every day. Their legacy lives on in our commitment, courage, and character.

May we all walk faithfully, serve humbly and live boldly, and may God bless you, protect you and guide you.

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

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NCSO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE On May 2, Deputy Johnny Robinson, one of our dedicated School Resource Officers, retired after 20 years of outstanding service to the Newton County community.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office celebrated his decades-long law enforcement career during a retirement party held inside the agency’s training room.Throughout his career, Robinson was a steady and reassuring presence in the schools — protecting, mentoring and building strong connections with students, staff and families.

Thank you, Deputy Robinson, for your dedication to the citizens of Newton County. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.

NEWTON FEDERAL DONATES TO 2025 LAW & LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

In May, Newton Federal made a generous donation to support the 2025 Law & Leadership Academy, which will take place June 2 through July 16.

The Law & Leadership Academy six-week summer camp, hosted by Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Taylor Made Foundation, is dedicated to developing young leaders and strengthening the future of Newton County.

NCSO CONNECTS WITH COMMUNITY AT SPRING HILL WELLNESS FAIR

On May 3, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit participated in the Spring Hill Community Day and Wellness Fair, an event focused on promoting health and well-being throughout the community. By taking part in this event, the Sheriff’s Office reinforced its continued commitment to fostering strong relationships with the citizens of Newton County and supporting local efforts to improve overall wellness.

NCSO MOTOR UNIT ESCORTS FALLEN COLUMBIA COUNTY DEPUTY On May 5, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit was honored to take part in the funeral escort for Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, who lost his life in the line of duty on April 26. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the entire Sheriff’s Office continued to extend their condolences to Deputy Sikes’s family, friends and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Sikes’s dedication, courage and selfless commitment to duty will not be forgotten. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the communities he served with honor.

DEPUTIES SERVE WITH COMPASSION, CREATE A TEACHABLE MOMENT

In May, Deputies Devan Moore and DeMarcus Pope recently demonstrated what it truly means to serve with compassion. When they encountered a mother and her teenage son dealing with a flat tire, they went above and beyond simply offering assistance — they used the moment as a teaching opportunity, showing them how to safely and properly change the tire themselves.

Their actions are a powerful reminder of the dedication and commitment our deputies bring to the community every day. Outstanding work, Deputies Moore and Pope!

SHERIFF BROWN AND THE NCSO SUPPORTS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER On May 9, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office were honored to attend A Night to Remember, a special event hosted by the Newton County Special Education Department and Covington First United Methodist Church. The evening was very heartwarming and filled with happiness as hundreds of children with disabilities got to experience a night where their dreams came true.

A Nigt to Remember was all about celebrating these children and showing that everyone belongs and matters in the community. Families, teachers, friends and community leaders came together to share joy, encouragement and support.

Photo Credit: Newton County School System

HONORING OUR OWN DURING NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK During National Correctional Officers Week, which occurred May 4 through 10, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office proudly honored the dedicated men and women of the Newton County Detention Center. Sheriff Brown and the entire Sheriff’s Office deeply appreciate the hard work, resilience and commitment these individuals demonstrate each and every day in carrying out one of the most demanding roles in public safety. Here are a few photos showing the faces behind the exceptional work at the Detention Center.

NCSO TRAVELS TO WASHINGTON, D.C., FOR NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

During National Police Week, which occurred May 11 through 17, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit and Honor Guard traveled to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and stand in solidarity with their surviving families.

On May 13, the NCSO Honor Guard stood vigil during the solemn candlelight ceremony, while the NCSO Motor Unit provided escorts for those traveling to the capital for National Police Week.

HEROIC ACTIONS LEAD TO ARREST OF KIDNAPPING SUSPECT ON I-20 This month, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office recognized Corporal Patrick Gilbert for his outstanding efforts in bringing a vehicle pursuit to a safe conclusion on Interstate 20 Westbound.

Assisting the Covington Police Department (CPD), Cpl. Gilbert played a vital role in apprehending a kidnapping suspect.Thanks to his quick thinking and extensive law enforcement training, Cpl. Gilbert not only helped save the victim’s life but also ensured the safety of the entire community.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office express gratitude to Cpl. Gilbert and the officers of the CPD for their courageous actions, which led to the victim’s safe recovery and the suspect’s arrest.

INTERAGENCY TRAINING BUILDS UNIFIED EMERGENCY RESPONSE On May 27, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team joined forces with Newton County Fire Services for a joint training session designed to strengthen interagency coordination and preparedness.

The training focused on scenarios that could require a combined response, such as high-risk tactical operations, emergency rescues and critical incidents where both law enforcement and fire services must work side by side. These collaborative exercises are important to ensuring that when real-life emergencies happen, all teams can respond swiftly, safely and effectively.

SHERIFF SWEARS IN NEWLY HIRED DEPUTY SHERIFFS, DETENTION OFFICER On May 27, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to three newly hired personnel during a ceremony held inside the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room. The employees who took the Oath of Office were Detention Officer Lawrence Omonua, Deputy Sheriff Tanaiaya Carney and Deputy Sheriff Neal Williams Jr. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office welcome these individuals to the team and looks forward to the positive contributions they will make in their respective roles.

COMPASSION IN ACTION AS DEPUTIES ASSIST ELDERLY WOMAN This month, Deputies Tyrique Woods and Da’Von Sydnor went above and beyond while assisting an elderly woman in need. She was dealing with a leak from the shut-off valve beneath her sink but was unable to turn it off herself due to limited mobility from a recent fall.

Responding quickly and with compassion, the deputies quickly assessed the situation, carefully shut off the leaking valve, and laid towels on the bathroom floor to absorb the water and help prevent any further risk of slipping or injury.

Their actions not only resolved the immediate issue but also brought comfort and peace of mind to someone facing a challenging moment alone. Their kindness is a reflection of the dedication and care Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputies show to the community each and every day.

SHERIFF SPEAKS AT FULTON COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY GRADUATION

On May 30, Sheriff Ezell Brown had the honor of addressing the graduating class at the Fulton County Public Safety Training Center in College Park, Georgia. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the recruits, who have undergone rigorous training and preparation to join the ranks of law enforcement.

During his address, Sheriff Brown delivered an inspiring speech filled with words of encouragement, wisdom and pride. He commended the graduates for their commitment, perseverance, and courage in choosing a career dedicated to serving and protecting the public.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Tanaiaya Carney Deputy Sheriff

Neal Williams, Jr. Lawrence Omonua Deputy Sheriff

Detention Officer

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication

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