Sheriff Wiley Griffin is pleased to announce a restructuring of his office, with a renewed emphasis towards Community Oriented Policing, aggressive crime fighting and community service.

Cofer promoted to Undersheriff

Major Wendell Cofer has been promoted to the position of Undersheriff. Undersheriff Cofer has 22 years of experience in all facets of Law Enforcement and has obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Undersheriff Cofer has previously served as Chief Investigator and Operations Commander with the Decatur County Sheriffs Office.

Vankirk promoted to Jail Administrator

Captain Janice Vankirk has been promoted to the position of Jail Administrator. Captain Vankirk brings 17 years of work experience at the Decatur County Jail and recently received Georgia’s “Detention Supervisor of the Year Award” and has served in all areas of the jail operations. Captain Vankirk is a POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer.

Thompson promoted to Assistant Jail Administrator

Lt. Donna Thompson has been promoted as the Assistant Jail Administrator and brings 15 years of experience at the Decatur County Jail and has served in all areas of the jail operations. Lt. Thompson has been assigned additional community outreach responsibilities.

Nix promoted to Chief Investigator

Captain Chip Nix has been promoted to the position of Chief Investigator of the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division. Captain Nix has 11 years of Patrol and Criminal Investigation experience in local Law Enforcement. Captain Nix has investigated several major crimes that resulted in arrest and convictions of those responsible. Captain Nix has served as the Narcotics Investigator supervisor for the past 5 years. Captain Nix has lectured extensively in the community about Criminal Justice issues.

Crowder to join Bowyer as Crime Scene Investigator

Investigator Julian Crowder has been promoted to the position of Crime Scene Investigator in the Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and will serve with Captain Gale Bowyer. Crime Scene Investigator Crowder has 15 years experience in Law Enforcement, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Investigator Crowder was also the former Police Chief in Senoia, Georgia. Crime Scene Investigator Bowyer holds a Masters and Bachelors Degree. Investigator Bowyer has 23 years of Law Enforcement experience and is also a 2008 Graduate of the National Forensics Academy of the University of Tennessee.

Croley promoted to Administrative Assistant to Sheriff Griffin

Captain Liz Croley has been promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant to Sheriff Wiley Griffin. Captain Croley has 5 years Law Enforcement experience and has an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Captain Croley has previously coordinated the Sex Offender Registration Program and the Victim Services Unit. She will have additional budgetary and administrative responsibilities added. Captain Croley has lectured extensively in the community about Criminal Justice issues and specializes in victims and women’s defensive tactics.

Moorhead and Logue to comprise PACE team

Sergeant Ed Moorhead has returned from five months of extensive training in K-9 operations while in Iraq. Sgt. Moorhead and Sgt. Logue will be assigned to the Sheriff’s PACE (Pro Active Criminal Enforcement) and K-9 Team. The PACE Team’s primary function is aggressive crime fighting operations in the residential neighborhoods of Decatur County.

“In these tough economic times, our resources to protect our citizens are limited,” Sheriff Griffin said. “As your Sheriff, I expect 110 percent of effort from all of our employees so that your safety and the protection of your family is our top priority.”