Charles Ledford Announces for Sheriff
Charles E. Ledford has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Jasper County. Mr. Ledford’s law enforcement career began in 1985 with the Covington Police Department as a patrolman.
He was certified as a law enforcement officer in 1986 at the Clayton County Regional Police Academy.
In 1987, Mr. Ledford left the Covington Police Department and began working for the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.
During Mr. Ledford’s 25 years with the sheriff’s office, he has worked his way through the ranks, starting his career as a patrol deputy. He was promoted to shift supervisor where he was responsible for supervising deputies and answering calls for service.
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He was again promoted and, at the request of the sheriff, assumed the responsibilities of Jail Commander. In the position of Jail Commander, Mr. Ledford was in charge of approximately 30 detention officers. He was also accountable for creating and working within the annual budget for the jail. During his time as Jail Commander the jail housed an average of 180 inmates.
After serving as Jail Commander for three years, the sheriff requested Mr. Ledford leave the jail and take the position of Patrol Division Commander. As Patrol Division Commander, Mr. Ledford supervised approximately 50 deputies; created, and worked within the annual budget for patrol.
During his tour as Patrol Division Commander, Newton County began construction of a new sheriff’s office and detention facility. The Sheriff then chose Mr. Ledford to take the position of liaison to the construction firm. While fulfilling the position as liaison, Mr. Ledford coordinated with the county finance liaison, the construction firm and the sheriff. Mr. Ledford helped to oversee every aspect of construction of the new facility.
After the new office was completed, the sheriff assigned Mr. Ledford to the position of Jail Commander of the facility. After a short time, the sheriff again approached Mr. Ledford and asked him to become the Court Services Division Commander.
While in this position, Mr. Ledford was held responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the courthouse. Mr. Ledford was in charge of approximately 20 court services deputies.
Currently, Mr. Ledford is Commander of the School Resource Division of the Sheriff’s Office. He supervises all school resource officers and is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all Newton County schools as well as serving as a liaison between the Board of Education and the Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Ledford has chosen to run as an Independent on the election ballot in November. The reason for his decision to run Independent is he wants the people to know he is open to everyone and he carries no political ideals when it comes to the office of Sheriff. He says he will maintain an open door policy and be available to everyone, regardless of their political affiliations.
Mr. Ledford wants everyone to know that he believes the sheriff should be more than a politician. He is a firm believer the sheriff should be able to fulfill every aspect of the position. In so believing, he will be helping out in the jail, on patrol and in the courthouse. He believes in riding the neighborhoods and getting to know everyone who will take time to talk with him. He plans to be a very visible sheriff.
Mr. Ledford also wants everyone to know he will take the responsibility as steward of public funds very seriously. He will not waste the monies with which he is entrusted. He does not believe in purchasing unnecessary things. However, he does believe in asking for those things necessary to perform the duties of the office of Sheriff.
Mr. Ledford, his wife, Carol and their three sons moved to Jasper County in 1984. He loves Jasper County and believes it is the best place to raise a family. He has a vested interest in maintaining the safe and nurturing environment that is Jasper County. Vested interests are his children and now his grandchildren.
Mr. Ledford has dedicated his life to serving the public, starting with more than seven years of military service in the Army. He hopes to continue his service to the public as your sheriff. Mr. Ledford humbly asks for your vote in the upcoming November election.
