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Gilmer County Chief Detective Stacy Nicholson has announced his candidacy for the office of Gilmer County Sheriff in 2004. He will run as a Republican.
In making his announcement, Nicholson said, “It would be an honor for me to serve the people of Gilmer County as their sheriff. This is a wonderful place to live and I want to help make it a safer and better place to raise our children and grandchildren.”
The detective brings over 13 years of active law enforcement to the race, the last 11 years as the county chief detective. A graduate of Gilmer County High School, he has attended Berry College and North Georgia College and is a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified peace officer. While at POST, he completed basic mandate and is a POST certified general instructor, a POST certified firearms instructor and has completed coursework in supervisory levels 1, 2 and 3. Nicholson has a total of over 1,200 hours in law enforcement training.
He serves as an instructor at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy.
The candidate told the Times-Courier he wants the sheriff’s department to be in position to deal with the rapid growth in the county, while protecting the characteristics that have made Gilmer County such a popular place.
Nicholson said, “I believe all sheriff’s department personnel should be adequately trained. There is a tremendous amount of liability associated with the department and the jail, and having properly trained officers and staff would reduce liability and burden to the taxpayers.”
The detective also said, “As the sheriff, the buck would stop at my desk. My door would be open at all times for citizens to come and discuss any problems or potential problems they perceive.
“I will also be the top supervisor in the department and would be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I will take a very hands-on approach in running the department.”
Nicholson added, “I want the department to be “proactive” instead of reactive. We need increased patrols from officers who are friendly, yet professional. We want to be a deterrent to crime and an asset to the citizens of Gilmer County.
“Keeping Gilmer County safe will have to be a team effort. Law enforcement officers will work with our residents to keep Gilmer County the great place it is.”
When not out investigating crimes and enforcing laws, Nicholson is involved in the community, serving in his church, Sunlight Baptist Church, and local organizations such as being a board member for the Appalachian Children’s Center, Gilmer County Child Abuse Protocol Committee, Gilmer County Family Connection, Fraternal Order of Police - Appalachian Lodge #92, where he was the charter year president.
Nicholson is also a member of the Gilmer County chapter of the American Red Cross, and coaches in the county recreation programs.
In closing, Nicholson said, “I am a career law enforcement officer. I have dedicated my professional life to upholding the law and making our community a better place to live in. I am asking each of you to join with me in keeping our county a wonderful place to raise our children and their children.”