The 12th annual Salute to Georgia Sheriffs took place last week and honored the sheriff of Barrow County, who navigated through a tragedy felt nationwide one year ago.
The 2025 Sheriff of the Year, Jud Smith, was announced in June by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and was celebrated by his fellow sheriffs at the Oct. 16 salute.
The event was held at Walnut Creek Shooting Preserve located on Stagecoach Road and once again drew law enforcement and leaders from across the state.
The host and founder of the event, Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece, began the program with a welcome to all in attendance. The JCSO honor guard presented the colors, and Edwin Ivey played the bagpipe.
The national anthem was performed by Kate Smith of Greater Atlanta Christian School, and “Taps” played by Hawke Oller of Jones County High School.
This year’s keynote speaker was Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and he introduced Smith. The Sheriff of the Year presentation was made by, in addition to Jones, GSA President Sheriff Ron Freeman and Executive Director Terry Norris.
Smith is a lifelong resident of Barrow County and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He has been in law enforcement 22 years.
The Apalachee High School shooting took place Sept. 4, 2024. The 14-year-old suspect shot 11 people. Two students and two teachers were killed, and seven more were injured. The shooter was apprehended and charged with 55 counts, including felony murder, and is being tried as an adult. His father has also been charged.
Other sheriffs involved in the program were GSA Chaplain and Sheriff of Sumter County, Eric Bryant, who gave the opening prayer, and Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee led the pledge of allegiance.
Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills spoke to honor the state’s fallen officers, and Wilkinson County Sheriff Richard Chatman gave the blessing before the meal.
