Frank Reynolds, Cherokee Sheriff Candidate, Ready to "Come Home"

At least one candidate has made official his bid to replace Sheriff Roger Garrison as Cherokee County’s top cop.

Frank Reynolds earlier this week officially announced his bid to run in the Republican 2016 primary to become the next sheriff for Cherokee County. Reynolds held a campaign announcement at the Rock Barn in Canton, drawing hundreds of residents, supporters and current and former elected officials.

When Garrison in 2012 announced he would not seek re-election to a seventh term, Reynolds said people began to approach him and ask if he’d planned to run for the office.

Reynolds, a captain with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, said his decision was made with the counsel of family and friends, noting his campaign will be a “team effort.”

“Over the past several years, it seemed like doors were being opened and opportunities were presenting themselves, and I felt that I was being led down that path (by) a higher authority,” he said. ”And I truly believe that this is a calling.”

Throughout a career that spans more than 20 years, Reynolds said he’s had the chance to work with two “outstanding” sheriffs, Garrison and Pickens County Sheriff Donnie Craig.

While with the sheriff’s office, Reynolds said he had the chance to patrol every part of Cherokee County, from the homes of BridgeMill to Towne Lake when it was first coming out of the ground.

He’s witnessed the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office make ”significant, positive changes” when it comes to adopting new forms of technology, promoting higher education and offering opportunities for specialized training.

That opportunity to serve in Cherokee, he stated, made him greatly appreciate his home and the citizens he is seeking to serve.

In 2005, he was chosen to take part in the U.S. Department of State’s High-Threat Protection Program, working as an independent contractor in Iraq. According to his website, Reynolds’ mission was “to provide diplomatic security and close personal protection for representatives of the United States government in the reconstruction of Iraq.”

He returned home in 2008 and went to work for the Pickens Sheriff’s Office. Now, after seven years with the agency to the north, Reynolds is ready to live, work and play all inside Cherokee County.

“I’m ready to come home,” he said. “I’m ready to come back and serve the citizens of Cherokee County.”

If elected, Reynolds told the audience he plans to protect the constitutional rights of citizens; improve community relations with businesses and various neighborhood watch programs; work to reduce unnecessary spending in the sheriff’s office budget; establish a Sheriff’s Academy, similar to citizens public safety academies implemented by local police departments; and partner with the Cherokee County School District’s School Police Department to enhance safety and security for students and other learning communities.

Garrison was overwhelmingly re-elected to a sixth term in 2012, defeating fellow Republican challenger David Waters. While he has not made an official announcement, Waters’ Facebook page and website all indicate he is gearing up for another run for the office next year.

Additionally, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office financial crimes detective Jeff Donley has also created social media accounts in preparation for an imminent announcement.

To learn more about Frank Reynolds, his family, his background and his platform, visit his website. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Fast Facts

Candidate: Frank A. Reynolds
Age: 44
Occupation: captain, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office
Previous experience: Department of State’s High-Threat Protection Program (WPPS HTP, IC BW) in Baghdad, Iraq; watch commander with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office
Family: wife Jennifer; two daughters and one son
Education: attended Cherokee High School before graduating from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville; associate‘s and bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University; master of public administration in justice administration from Columbus State University; graduated from the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute; graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 244th Session
Church: First Baptist Church of Waleska
Community involvement: Rotary Club of Canton; Optimist Club of Canton; Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce; and board member of the Cherokee County Historical Society

Photo credit: Facebook