A race well ran by a man who does what's right equeals a win. I hope my fellow officers will join me and move forward. I am sure there will be changes. Some we will agree with, others we won't. All and all we will all come out ahead. Regardless of what Obama may say, people useualy don't like change. While we are waiting for Wayne to come back and start the transition let's not be stirring the stink pot. From what I've seen the last few days most everyone is getting along great. Some are a little worried. Others are still a little upset that their candidate didn't win. But it's nothing we can't move beyond with time. However there is one captian who needs to keep his opinion to himself. I don't believe that Wayne needs you to be his spokesperson. You are not helping. Your guys don't like it and your not helping our patrol guys either. Your intentions may be good but you are coming across as if you think your going to be Chief Deputy. Relax and just let this flow. Well, enough said. See Ya.

Thanks for your service to our community. I'm glad to see we have deputies here in Fayette who can conduct themselves with dignity and respect. It's unfortunate that you can't support the candidate of your choice without being subjected to the childish name calling and ridicule that you have received on this blog.

It seem the Sheriff's Office has some serious office politics going on and ALL the departments need to work together and support each other. Hopefully Sheriff Hannah can bring everyone together and the negative posts that are from his supporters stop. It doesn't look good for him or the department. Can't we all just get along?

What happened to your 90%?

Oh that's, right even people that don't work for the Sheriff's office were allowed to vote. DARN!

I guess this means that 90% of the Sheriff's employees were WRONG.

Do 90% of the Sheriff's employees even live in Fayette County?

I just wanted to personal say that everything is going to be ok. I know it’s going to be hard to turn the video camera on during calls for service and traffic stops. Although your 70’s porn look is not becoming is this day in age. I am pretty sure Sheriff Hannah will allow you to keep your hairspray and brush inside your patrol vehicle. It’s not a violation of the S.O.P. You know the big tan binder that holds up your coffee table at home. It doesn’t have color pictures in it but the reading is useful. At least now you will have access to your full clothing allowance. Take advantage of it by replacing your “CHIPS” style uniform for something a little more comfortable.

Congratulations on graduating at the top of your police academy class. However, I would still recommend that you receive further training in the area of Georgia Law. As law enforcement officers, we should be knowledgeable in this area. Watching “COPS” on Saturday night doesn’t count. Perhaps you should just take it upon yourself to write “non-process” in the remarks section of every citation that you issue. That way the courts won’t have to do it for you.

I hope that you are now aware that there is no Georgia statute that allows us to write citations for expired drive out tags. There is code section for this but due your homework first. Maybe you should have called for back-up on that one. Isn’t that the way “A Shift Rolls”? Or could it have been that your firearm was already drawn so you didn’t feel it was necessary?

By the way, why don’t you join the military? Then you earned the right to say “HOO RAA”!

More than 20 years ago, when I 1st came to work for the Sheriff's Office I never imagined a day like today would come. The day I am talking about being that Sheriff Johnson having announced his retirement and his successor being elected.

I have always respected Sheriff Johnson from the 1st time we spoke when he interviewed and hired me. As I have grown professionally, I have come to really understand the impact and reality associated with the only three questions that my interview consisted of; Where was I from, Where was my family from, and lastly (and probably most importantly) Can I treat people fairly? Jonesboro, Jonesboro, and absolutely were my answers.

Last night, in what was another telling moment in my professional life, I had the 2008 version of that interview relived again--this time with Sheriff Johnson's successor Lt. Colonel Wayne Hannah.

I have known Lt. Colonel Hannah as long as I have known Sheriff Johnson. I supported Lt. Colonel Hannah in the Sheriff's race for my own lengthy list of reasons. Without going through that list, my confirming moment with Lt. Colonel Hannah came last night.

As he and his supporters were celebrating his victory at the end of a lengthy and brutal campaign cycle, his thoughts were on today, tomorrow and the next 4 years of tomorrows. During the midst of this humbling experience, he had the presence of mind to have me remind the other members of the Traffic Enforcement Division that gloating is not right and that he would not tolerate it.

The worst part of this campaign for me has been sitting here listing to, and reading, the untrue statements being bandied about on the blogs and knowing that they were not true. I want to make a distinction between differences of opinion and untrue statements. Lt. Colonel Hannah has never minded the fact that others might support another candidate than him; he only took exception with those that spread untrue comments.

Captain America, Grits, McGerkin88, and others who took exception with Lt. Colonel Hannah's possible election... Last night the voters spoke (albeit only 28%) and gave the nod to Lt. Colonel Hannah. Despite all the recriminations, it is now on him to demonstrate he is who he has claimed to be; an honest and non-vindictive person. We didn't have a mass exodus and I don't think we will. Last night Lt. Colonel Hannah told us that now is the moment when we must begin to move forward together and do what the public expects us to do--protect our community and keep our people safe.

For those bloggers who did not know or have an opinion of us until this series of blogs from various factions within the Sheriff’s Office came to be, I can only say this… I feel like a parent who has invited new acquaintances into our home for a visit only to have our kids throw a rip-roaring temper tantrum—embarrassed beyond words. We know how to behave and we normally due. You deserve better and we will do better. Thank you for being patient.

Differences of opinion aside, this will be my last transparently anonymous "blog."

To quote Edward R. Murrow "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it."

Captain America, Grits, Abby, et all... Good luck and good night!

since when does any employee way down on the totem pole have any say so about where the money goes - I think that is what the higher ups get paid to do - sounds like Randall and Hannah's problem -not the little ole worker bees - they never have a say - so they shouldn't be worried-

Calling Captain America, Where are you? Must be putting up the tights and dusting off the resume.

Rosebud,
There is no jealousy there, the productivity of Traffic far exceeds anything that patrol has been able to do. DTF is just worried because an audit may be coming and there is some actual accountability in the future.

HMMMM? sounds like someone is jealous of the folks on patrol and in DTF - as I see it if you aren't on the road or in DTF doing real law enforcement - does it really matter what you think- ? NOPE

So what good did it do for a bunch of deputies with the sheriff's office to show their true colors? None!! In fact, they should feel pretty stupid right about now. All that time spent trying to make Hannah look bad with false rumors and negative comments has backfired and blew up in everyone's faces. Gee, I guess that means that DTF won't get the office they want and some of the patrol deputies will actually have to treat people with respect and use their camera systems! Gee, what's this world coming too? By the way Captain America, you need to go wherever Captain Babb goes...out of law enforcement!!!

Capt.
Are you really that stupid. Nobody in there right mind would do a job for free.
You also said that you graduated number 1 in your class, and what title are you (Deputy). Boy you really got something out of being first. Oh never mind, you did get something,(HOW TO BE A BIG BROWN NOSER), but where has that gotten you nowhere.
You also said that if Babb goes to another agency that you will go. You being in law enforcement, your suppose to be a leader not a follower. Once your a follower you will always be one. So hurry up and leave.

I just wish that this election would be over.

I don't know about 90% but there is definantly an overwhelming majority in the SO that support Babb. But lets not get into that.

Let's look at it this way:

First, Hannah agreed not to answer questions posted by the citizen and whether you agree or disagree with that, he broke his word to the other candidates. We can argue technicalities as to the wording of their statement to the editor but it still boils down to him looking for a loophole that would allow him to break the agreement.
Second, he can't answer a forum question about his campain funds and spending yet he intends to manage millions of dollars in budget.
Third, he clearly states that he will protect his wifes position even though he would be in direct violation of a state law prohibiting this.
Fourth, there apparently is some question as to relations with female subordinates in his past.
Given this information I have to lean toward the so called "Bible Thumper" with no know skeletons in his past. And I might also add that Bible thumping (if thats what you want to call it) ain't such a bad thing in my opinion.
I also suggest that we look at the inovative way he has run his campaign, winning parade floats, airplanes pulling banners, Dot signs, and scores of people working intersections throughout the county. His campain alone shows us that he is a Man who can bring new ideas to the department.

I also believe that the deputies on the square speak volumes, At least they are not hiding behind screen names on these blogs!!!!!

VOTE BARRY BABB

support Wayne Hannah. They say that Hannah is reasoned, respected, fair, cool under fire, and has a high degree of integrity. Babb has a short fuse and holds grudges. Mindar is an idiot. Simmons hasn't the experience with Fayette to have earned the job.

Babb's campaign. I don't know where you retrieved your numbers from, but they are completely inaccurate. How much research did you conduct? Did you poll every individual in the department? Your comment suggests that you did and I know for a fact that you didn't. Many people know that you and the rest of Babb's slimy followers don't want another Sheriff that will hold all of you accountable, expect that you perform your duties with integrity, and ensure that you follow departmental policies and procedures. There are also a lot of people who already know what kind of loose division Babb runs. His men and women can't even spend their clothing allowances! You really should have kept holding your tongue!

I Hope that Hannah wins and you do leave the department. Fayette county would be a much better place to live and work without you!

I had the pleasure of meeting Barry Babb this past Saturday at the rally. He took time to speak with me and was a true gentleman. I have been following all the campaigns very closely this election season, and I believe that Barry Babb is the best choice for Sheriff.

We support Wayne Hannah!

P.S. Better check your ID card, it doesn't have Barry's name, It says Sheriff Randall Johnson.

I admire your loyalty to Captain Babb. He is a great guy but I have reservations about his adminstrative capabilities. Great guys can make good leaders but the position of Sheriff requires a great deal of adminstrative duties. Patrol has notoriously been out of overtime money early in budget year. New cars go unequipped for extended periods of time before being placed on the road. Then there is the whole topic of accountablity. Hannah has excelled in all these areas. I think that is the biggest fear of those supporting Babb within the Department is the accountability. Law enforcement is a profession and with that comes increased accountability. The County is facing trying times and Hannah is better equipped to lead the Department for the next 4 years. Good luck to you and Captain Babb. I only hope that whoever wins that the other will stay. I think the County needs both.

I agree. Barry has run the cleanest campaign. The worst thing I could find about him is that he is "too christian" I'll take it. He has great ideas, and I know he will hit the ground running without missing a beat. Plus he will have a 110% support from loyal deputies.

I know that most of you have been offered better jobs if the election doesn't go the way you want it too. Thank you for your service to Fayette County. We can't afford to lose any of you. We need you more than you need us. I don't know who you are, but thanks for making this a safe, great place to live.

Let's hope that for a change the good people will win. I know good guys always finish last, but let's hope we change that trend tomorrow.