November/December 2021

NCSO

November/December 2021 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH

A TIME FOR THANKS, GIVING, AND SHARING Although November and December include several very important days, I want to take a moment to highlight two notable days: Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Thanksgiving is important because it is a positive and traditional holiday where we celebrate gratitude; unfortunately, something we fail to do enough of these days.

In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving to be celebrated each November. The date of the observation of Thanksgiving varied by state until President Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November (later codified by President Roosevelt as the 4th Thursday of November) as a national “day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

What makes this proclamation intriguing is the nation was in the midpoint of the Civil War. The union was fiercely divided, state against state and brother against brother, as the fabric of our country was being torn apart with the loss of life and property, devastating families across the nation.

On Thanksgiving 2020 and 2021, we experienced what could be described as the most difficult years in decades. Our nation continues to be divided; COVID-19 has devastated our economy, as well as many families. Racial tensions appear to be at a breaking point. Concept after concept have un-

leashed the chaos that we have all experienced in 2021. With all of this, what should our attitude be on the fourth Thursday of November this year?

Allow me to suggest that we follow the lead of the Pilgrims and President Lincoln by humbly giving thanks. As believers, we can discover God’s hand leading, providing, and protecting us in everything. If you are still breathing, God has brought you through to this point. Therefore, despite all that has occurred this year, let us continue to give thanks and count our blessings.

I understand that sometimes it becomes extremely difficult to take a moment to express thankfulness for life’s blessings. I also recognize from a first-hand perspective that it is not always easy to be thankful, especially in the midst of challenging times or circumstances. It is so much easier to dwell on the deprivation and allow the negative to overwhelm us.

In retrospect, I see that even the difficult times have been used for so much good in our lives. I know this may sound a bit uncharacteristic to some; however, I am thankful for how God has used the problematic times in our lives as well, taking negative situations and turning them into positive ones.

Far too frequently, we feel there are never enough minutes in the day for all of our obligations, such as, time for family and friends, employment, church, financial, and other personal obligations, preparing

SHERIFF BROWN meals and managing laundry, etc., and the list can be overwhelming.

The holidays, travel, and the list of tasks can potentially become devastating; and this year, we have had more than enough distribution of stress. When you are confronted with those “I can’t” moments, it would be wonderful to take a few quiet minutes away from the chaos to reflect on the many things you have to be grateful for.

According to experts, expressing gratitude can enhance relationships, improve one’s outlook, lower blood pressure, and prevent illness. For your health alone, it is advised to devote a few minutes daily, focusing on giving thanks.

I ask the question: what comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Do you see it as a time of thankfulness toward God, or is it merely one of eating, partying and/or watching football?

Similarly, to Thanksgiving, Christmas is a special time for giving thanks; a time to both, look backward and forward; a time to be with family, whether they reside close to you or they are simply in your thoughts, this is a meaningful time to remember and reflect.

Please know that I am truly grateful for my family, but never lose sight of how fortunate I am to have so many friends, colleagues, and acquaintances associated with the Sheriff’s Office and other ventures I have been involved with for so many years.

On Christmas, I give thanks for those who have touched my life and continue to do so. Please know and understand that we can enjoy Christmas because many others have set aside their time to serve in various capacities. During the Christmas season, I certainly hope and pray that each of you took a moment to think about the cooks, chefs, servers, dishwashers, nurses, doctors, medical assistants, armed forces personnel, fire fighters, police officers, deputy sheriffs, public officials, attendants, clerks and public

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

servants who were working so that we could enjoy that time with our families. A huge thanks to each of you. Although you may not have been able to be with your family on Christmas Day, I hope that you enjoyed the chance to spend time with your friends and colleagues at work. Know that you are genuinely appreciated, and you and your families are constantly in my prayers.

Being grateful truly makes one happy and being happy potentially assists in the development and maintenance of a healthy body and mind. As we move into the new year, I urge you to be thankful and share your gratitude.

I mirror the vitalizing words of evangelist and publisher, Dwight L. Moody: “I am so thankful that I have a joy that the world cannot rob me of; I have a treasure that the world cannot take from me; I have something that is not in the power of man or woman nor the devil to deprive me of, and that is the joy of the Lord.”

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.

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contact numbers

GENERAL INFORMATION SHERIFF’S SECRETARY JAIL INFORMATION JAIL FAX INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATION FAX PATROL UNIT TRAFFIC UNIT WARRANT UNIT WEST SIDE PRECINCT EAST SIDE PRECINCT TIP LINE

678-625-1403 678-625-1401 678-625-1420 678-625-1450 678-625-1412 678-625-1451 678-625-1410 678-625-1469 678-625-1411 770-788-7812 770-243-8227 678-625-5007

@newtonsheriffga

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NCSO PROVIDES VIRTUAL TOUR TO LEADERSHIP NEWTON Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office provided Leadership Newton County with a virtual tour of the Detention Center the morning of Nov. 18, 2021, in the Sheriff’s Office Training Room.

Leadership Newton County is a local program designed to bring together community leaders to address the needs of the community and strength leadership skills.

NCSO ATTENDS THE COVINGTON LIONS CLUB PARADE

On Dec. 4, 2021, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Lions Club Annual Christmas Parade, which took place in downtown Covington, Georgia.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic and Community Outreach Units participated in this year’s parade. Citizens and visitors, along with their children, lined the streets in order to view the decorated floats and vehicles that were a part of the holiday parade.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN NEW DEPUTY SHERIFF

On Dec. 17, 2021, Sheriff Ezell Brown swore in one deputy sheriff in the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room.

Deputy Desmond Jackson took the Oath of Office following his graduation from mandate school the morning of Dec. 17.

GFDW PROVIDES PASTRIES TO NCSO DEPUTY SHERIFFS On Dec. 20, 2021, the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (GFDW) provided cookies, cupcakes, and hot chocolate to the deputy sheriffs and staff of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

Those representing the GFDW included Chinita Allen, president; Andrea Priester, 3rd vice president; and Dianne Jennings, 4th congressional district director.

ncso graduates 22 inmate residents from two detention center programs

On December 16, 2021, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated its second class from the #1 Dads program, a jail-based program designed to mend relationships between fathers and children; and its first class from the Industrial Development program, a jail-based program designed to provide employment resources to returning citizens.

In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office partnered with ACTION, Inc. to provide inmate residents the opportunity to strengthen, establish, or reestablish relationships between a father and their children, or a father and his spouse/partner and their children, through its #1 Dads program. The program promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy marriage, and economic stability through the provision of workshops, case management, and job skills training.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and #1 Dads Director Dominic Malcom graduated 15 inmate residents from the #1 Dads program during the Dec. 16 ceremony: Jeremy Craton, Robert Edenfield, William Goodwin, Michael Harris, Jeremy Henderson, Jarvis Hendricks, Christopher Jackson, Gerald Jones, Paul Stephens, Zakee Stewart, Samuel Strickland, Cedrick Wise, Tylus Brown, Jack Law, and Robbie Smith.

The Sheriff’s Office partnered with ACTION, Incorporated to provide inmate residents housed at the Newton County Detention Center with the opportunity to gain industrial associates certification through the Industrial Development program. The workforce-based program is grant-funded and provides inmate residents with on-site training for rigging, cranes, forklift operation, aerial lift, OSHA 10, CPR/ First Aid/AED, and Sigma 6. After the completion of training, inmate residents are provided with 12 months of mentored coaching, employment search, and placement assistance.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and Director Jim Doherty graduated its first class of seven inmate residents

from the Industrial Development program during the Dec. 16 ceremony: Stephen Minton, Joshua Sorrells, Matthew Womack, Jarvis Hendricks, William Smith, Dakwane Archie-Pittman, and Koffi Assogba.

“I am grateful for the partnership our agency has with Action, Incorporated, and the positive opportunities provided to the inmate residents housed at our facility,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “#1 Dads and Industrial Development, as well as the other programs offered in the Detention Center, provide the inmate residents with the skills and training needed to return to society as law-abiding citizens. I congratulate each and every one of our graduates for successfully completing their program. Also, I thank all those who provided support and encouragement to these graduates during the last few weeks. They couldn’t have done it without your support and encouragement.”

For more information about the re-entry programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office, visit http://www.newtonsheriffga.org.

FIFTH ANNUAL NEWTON On Dec. 2, 2021, the Newton County Board of Commissioners hosted its fifth annual Service Awards Ceremony. The employees listed below were presented awards for their respective years of service: 5 YEARS Odalis Alberto, Andrew Archie, Derreck Bartlett, Michael Beasley, Lori Berry, Tarian Bigby, Hunter Blankenship, Joseph Bostwick, Melvin Chambers, Kearia Dorsey, Trisan Edwards, James Ellis, Randi Fincher, Marco Gibson, Tracy Hernandez, Arthur Holmes, Angela Ivey, Dexter Jackson, America James, Devin Lester, Nancy Norrington, Sanquenish Rockmore, Samuel Sheppard, Joshua Shumate, Brenda Sloan, Nicholas Sorrells, Ronald Stanley, Ezekiel Walker, Avery Williams, Michael Wilson 10 YEARS Bradrick Hill, Cindy Hooper, Romario Johnson, Desiree Kozikowski, Jeffrey Maben, Suzette Martin, Billy Queen, Roosevelt Winters 15 YEARS Ariel Arredondo, Ellen Bales, Sammy Banks, William Bruce, Jerry Carter, Sherri Collier, Frederick Day, Patrick Gilbert, Ary Grijalva, Larry Harris, Justin Holmes, Gladys Kraudy, Sandra Mangham, Sandra Mobley, Matthew Roberts, Scott Sirotkin, Lee Smith, Jerry Taylor, Vickie Waters, Litasha Williams 20 YEARS Michael Britt, Garland Curtis, Sherry Dollar, John Kite, James McKenzie, Wanda Morris, Kelly Singley, Raymond Spencer 25 YEARS Charles Ammons, Tom Cheatham, Commissioner J.C. Henderson, Martie Kinard, Ralph Stewart 30 YEARS Thomas Kunz, Rebecca White 35 YEARS Cindi Hendrix, Kenneth Ridling, Martin Roberts 40 YEARS Douglas Kitchens 45 YEARS Linda Hays Pictured to the right are Newton County Sheriff’s Office award recipents who were present at the Dec. 2 ceremony.

COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS 20 YEARS

30 YEARS

Deputy Kelly Singley Captain Thomas Kunz

35 YEARS

Investigator Michael Britt

40 YEARS

Captain Douglas Kitchens

Captain Marty Roberts

district Attorney’s office

WELCOME new employees

Essence Hall

Detention Officer

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

COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www . newtonsheriffga . org