NCSO September 2023 newsletter
A MOMENT WITH NATIONAL FAMILY DAY: CELEBRATING THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY National Family Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Monday of September, reminds us to take a moment to appreciate the abundance of love, support, and strength that our families represent. From my perspective, it is no coincidence, but fate that National Daughters Day, National Sons Day, as well as Grandparents Day also occur in September. In this message, I will discuss the vital role that family plays in our lives, the importance of setting aside time to be with our loved ones, and the importance of acknowledging the blessings that families bring to our existence. Our families are the foundation of our society and the heart of our community. They are the source of our most cherished memories, the pillars of our support system, and the reservoirs of unconditional love. Families come in various forms, from nuclear to extended, and they bring unique perspectives and experiences to our lives. Regardless of their shape or size, families are the cornerstones of our lives, shaping our values, beliefs, and behaviors. Families provide us with a sense of belonging and identity. They are the first source of socialization, where we learn essential values, morals, and ethics that shape our interactions with the world. They offer us comfort and security, acting as a safety net in times of adversity. Our families celebrate our triumphs and provide solace in times of distress. They offer us uncompromising support, nurturing us and assisting us to grow into responsible, caring, and compassionate individuals. Furthermore, families are instrumental in passing on traditions, cultural values, and the wisdom of previous generations. They connect us to our roots, fostering a sense of continuity and cultural heritage. This connection to our family heritage strengthens our sense of self and our understanding of our place in the world. In our Greater Newton County Community, our families play an integral role in the development of our future generations. Strong, loving families create an environment that encourages children to grow and thrive. When children have the support of their families, they are better equipped to face life’s challeng-
es, develop resilience, and build a solid foundation for their future. Thus, strong families are key to the success and well-being of our community. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often leaving us with too little time to spend with our families. Work commitments, school, extracurricular activities, and social engagements can all conspire to keep us apart from our loved ones. National Family Day serves as a gentle reminder to take a step back, prioritize our families, and spend quality time with those who matter most. When we spend time with our families, we create lasting memories and strengthen our connections. These shared experiences help us understand each other better, fostering deeper bonds. Family time offers opportunities for open communication, where we can discuss our hopes, fears, and dreams. It is during these moments that we provide emotional support, celebrate achievements, and offer solace during difficult times. Simple activities such as family meals, outings, game nights, or even a quiet evening at home can be transformative. They allow us to disconnect from the distractions of the world and focus on the people who make our lives whole. When we prioritize family time, we send a powerful message to our loved ones, reaffirming our commitment to them and reminding them of our love. For our Newton County Sheriff’s Office personnel, it is equally important to strike a balance between the demands of our profession and our family lives. We understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with our roles, often requiring us to work irregular hours and face the uncertainties of our profession. Nevertheless, I encourage each one of you to find moments to share with your families, even if they are brief. Engaging in meaningful conversations and ensuring your loved ones feel valued can make a world of difference. The moments of closeness with our families are priceless. These are the moments when we truly appreciate the beauty of having our loved ones by our side. Laughter, shared stories, and genuine connec-
SHERIFF BROWN tion bring joy and fulfillment into our lives. As Sheriff, I am blessed to witness acts of heroism and dedication from our personnel daily. But we need to remember that our families, too, play a significant role in the support we receive. They shoulder the burden of uncertainty and separation while offering a strong foundation from which we can carry out our duties. When we come together as a community on National Family Day, we celebrate the strength and unity that families bring to our lives. This unity extends to our Newton County Sheriff’s Office personnel, where we function as an extended family, supporting one another in times of need and celebrating our shared successes. On National Family Day, let us remember to take a moment to express our gratitude to the Creator for the gift of families. The bonds we share with our loved ones are not to be taken for granted, and we should offer our thanks for the love, support, and guidance that families provide. I firmly believe that faith and spirituality play an essential role in our lives and can strengthen our family bonds. Whether you practice a particular religion or follow a spiritual path, connecting with a higher power can offer guidance and a sense of purpose in your family life. As we come together in celebration on this special day, let us also take a moment to reflect on the divine blessings that families represent. Give thanks for the joy and comfort they bring, and seek guidance and strength in your faith to nurture and protect these precious bonds. National Family Day serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish the families we hold dear and to create moments of togetherness that will be cherished for
Sheriff Ezell Brown
Newton County, Georgia
years to come. Our Greater Newton County Community is a true reflection of the strong families that make it up, and our Newton County Sheriff’s Office personnel are an extension of the supportive family we have here. On this significant day, I encourage all of us to pause and prioritize our families, make good use of our time with them, and give thanks for the love and unity they bring to our lives. Together, we will continue to build a community where families thrive, and where the bonds of our extended family at the Sheriff’s Office remain unbreakable. Please remember, Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain the same. If you want to know who your family is, look at the sidelines, the audience, the people clapping, the ones telling you how much faith they have in you. That is what family is all about. Thank you for your dedication and support, both in our community and within the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. May this National Family Day be filled with love, connection, and cherished memories.
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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SHERIFF BROWN PROMOTES FOUR TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT AND TWO TO THE RANK OF SERGEANT Sheriff Ezell Brown promoted four Sergeants to the rank of Lieutenant and one Corporal to the rank of Sergeant. The following promotions became effective on July 31, 2023: • • • • • •
Kevin “Wade” Freeman, promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of the Domestic Violence Division Richard “Tony” Howard, promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of the Special Investigations Division Ditoria Miles, promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of the Court Services Division Amanda “Mandy” Peters, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant in the Training Unit Romario Johnson, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant of the School Resource Officers William “Bill” Watterson, promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division
NCSO PURCHASES 70 FLEET VEHICLES TO REPLACE AGING PATROL FLEET Since April 2023, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office purchased 70 vehicles to replace the agency’s aging patrol fleet, a top safety priority overseen by Sheriff Ezell Brown. Sheriff Ezell Brown has continuously worked with the Newton County Board of Commissioners to ensure all deputies have the necessary equipment to serve and protect the Newton County community, including replacing the agency’s fleet vehicles with more than 200,000 miles a piece. “First and foremost, I want to thank the Newton County voters, SPLOST Oversight Committee and the Newton County Board of Commissioners for taking the necessary steps in ensuring our deputies have the proper tools to serve and protect our community,” said Sheriff Brown. “It has been a long time coming, but we have been patient. Our agency was long overdue for new fleet vehicles — we have not had a new stock of vehicles since 2011.” Sheriff Brown added, “Our deputies knew one day they would be receiving new, upgraded vehicles, and I could
not be more thankful they stuck with us until we could acquire them. I thank each and every one of them for their patience. Even though our fleet vehicle numbers are up to 316, not including the vehicles pending delivery, we are in the process of replenishing our fleet so certain vehicles will be taken out of service.” On March 21, 2023, the NCSO received $4.2 million from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) projects, approved by voters in November 2022. The agency purchased 55 vehicles with the funds allocated from SPLOST; of those 55, the agency received 40 of the vehicles as of October 2, 2023, and those vehicles are awaiting equipment installation prior to being assigned to a deputy. The remaining 15 vehicles purchased through SPLOST are pending delivery. Additionally, the NCSO purchased 15 vehicles through funds allocated from the agency’s capital, designated by the Newton County Board of Commissioners, bringing the number of fleet vehicles to 316, not including the 15 vehicles pending delivery.
BURKE COUNTY SHERIFF HOSTS LEADERSHIP CLASS AT THE NCSO On Sept. 25, 2023, Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams hosted a leadership training course at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. More than 20 leaders from the NCSO attended the training course. The topics covered during the course included but were not limited to how to be a successful leader, unorthodox leaders, and trust in leadership.
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Sheriff Ezell Brown
SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN FIVE NEWLY-HIRED EMPLOYEES
On Sept. 14, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to five newly-hired employees during a ceremony held inside the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room. The employees who took the Oath of Office were Deputy Sheriff William Wright, Deputy Sheriff Aquinas Mountain, Detention Officer Clifton Jefferies, Detention Officer Edward Bunting and Detention Officer Akina Martin.
SHERIFF BROWN ATTENDS FIRST NEWTON COUNTY RODEO On Sept. 23, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office attended the first Newton County Rodeo, held at T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Agricultural Center. The rode, which brought in thousands of attendees over the course of the two-day event, included calf roping, team toping, breakaway roping, bull riding, calf scramble. bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling.
NCSO ATTENDS GRAND REOPENING EVENT AT DUNKIN’ COVINGTON On Sept. 23, 2023, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office attended the grand reopening event at Dunkin’, located at Newton Plaza in Covington, Ga. The event provided attendees with festivities, treats and offers as the business celebrated its revamped store.
WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Akina Martin
Aquinas Mountain
Latonja Balkcom-Brown
Troythomas Myers
Detention Officer
Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff
Detention Technician
Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!
COMMITMENT loyalty sacrifice dedication www.newtonsheriffga.org