written by Dominque Huff
A 21-year Navy veteran with 15 years of experience as a Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy, Willie Brown desires to become the new Henry County Sheriff.
After falling short in the 2020 Republican primary, Brown is now running as a Democrat in an effort to bridge the gap with community and law enforcement through his platform.
When asked about the party switch, he explains he’s not in any debt for political allegiance. His allegiance is with the people of Henry County.
Like most law enforcement agencies in the country, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a few good men and women to fill positions. Agencies are finding themselves not only recruiting locally but going to other metro counties, college campuses and even going out of state.
Recently noted, the East Point Police Department ran billboards in Forsyth County last year, prompting the Forsyth County Sheriff to say jokingly if you want a law enforcement career, they are paying more.
Brown states he wants to bring people to work for the agency regardless if he's elected.
“If elected, I liken myself to saying I am coming with help, not empty-handed,” he said. “Even if I don’t win, I want people to seek employment with the sheriff’s office as it’s what we, the people make it to be.”
As sheriff, he wants to create a cohesive law enforcement protective layer countywide.
“Our law enforcement agencies across the county are poking holes at the crime, but when we come together, we can have a larger impact because we are now a fist,” he explained.
Addressing rumors of staffing vacancies where the jail is short-staffed, and warrants are not being served, he states this could be a bigger problem for public safety down the line.
“This could result in us having lawsuits where taxpayers would have to foot the bill. Public safety in Henry County is already costing 50 percent of the budget, and as managers in public safety, we must be good stewards of the people’s money,” he said.
Such issues are plaguing agencies such as the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Brown has worked previously in the jail, civil, and warrant division of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. He also worked in courts and community relations. All talents and skills he will bring to the table. He also credits his military experience with leadership training.
“Leadership, as I learned in the Navy, is about training, motivating, and developing people,” he said. “I have the training and experience of being an administrator and leader among people.”
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