A Historic Election Victory
Peach County, Georgia, has elected Robert “Buck” Shannon as its first Black sheriff, marking a significant moment in the county’s history. Shannon secured his position in the November election, winning 59% of the vote. His victory reflects the trust and confidence the community has placed in his leadership.
With 27 years of experience in the sheriff’s department, Shannon has risen through the ranks, holding positions such as jailer, patrol deputy, and criminal investigator. Now, he steps into the role previously held by Terry Deese, who served as sheriff for over 20 years.
A Lifetime of Dedication to Law Enforcement
Shannon’s journey to becoming sheriff started decades ago. Over the years, he developed a strong understanding of the department’s inner workings and built lasting relationships within the community.
“Multiple times, people would say, ‘You will make a good sheriff one day,’” Shannon shared. “As I started progressing, I thought, ‘Maybe I would be a good sheriff.’”
His experience has prepared him to take on the challenges that come with leading law enforcement in Peach County.
Strengthening Community Ties
One of Shannon’s main goals is to maintain a family-oriented department, continuing the approach set by his predecessors. He believes that a strong connection between law enforcement and the community will lead to better safety and cooperation.
“He made it family-oriented, and that’s what I want to continue to do because I was raised up on Sheriff Beckham and Sheriff Deese,” Shannon said.
To strengthen relationships, he plans to implement neighborhood watch programs, organize town hall meetings, and collaborate with local churches. By fostering open communication, he hopes to build trust and encourage community involvement in crime prevention.
Modernizing Equipment and Resources
Shannon has ambitious plans to update the department’s equipment to improve efficiency and effectiveness. His modernization efforts include equipping more patrol cars with printers, introducing drones, and potentially adding tag readers in the future.
These upgrades aim to streamline operations and provide officers with better tools to serve the community. Shannon is also committed to increasing staff numbers and raising salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Tackling Violent Crime in Fort Valley
One of the biggest challenges Shannon faces is addressing violent crime, particularly in Fort Valley. He has expressed a strong commitment to making the area safer, with a special focus on the Lakeview and Indian Oaks apartment complexes, which were sites of shootings in 2024.
“We’re gonna make it safe for the kids so they can play, go to school, come home and be safe, and be able to sleep at night and be safe in their beds,” he emphasized.
Creating a Gang Task Force and Prioritizing Mental Health
Recognizing the changing landscape of crime, Shannon plans to rebrand the Peach County Drug Unit as a Gang Task Force. This new initiative will work alongside Fort Valley and Byron police departments to combat gang-related activities.
Additionally, Shannon has highlighted the importance of mental health within the department. He aims to provide officers with better resources and training to handle mental health crises in the community.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead to his four-year term, Shannon is focused on reducing crime, expanding his staff, and launching more community programs. He believes that with the right strategies and community support, significant improvements will be made.
“Hopefully you’ll see deterioration in crime by the end of this term,” Shannon stated. “Another thing, hopefully, you’ll see more staff by the end of this term, more deputies on the road, and more programs working with the public and the kids by the end of this term.”
With a clear vision and a deep commitment to his community, Robert “Buck” Shannon is ready to lead Peach County into a new era of law enforcement.
Leave a Reply