Pierce sworn in as Whitfield County sheriff, takes office Jan. 1

Published 6:15 pm Friday, December 20, 2024

Judges, elected officials, court employees, law enforcement officers, friends and family packed the Whitfield County Probate Court courtroom Friday to watch Judge Sheri Blevins swear in Darren Pierce as sheriff.

“I’m really surprised,” said Pierce, a Republican who defeated 32-year incumbent Democrat Scott Chitwood in the November election. “We didn’t publicize this. I expected it to just be family. To have this many people turn out is a real honor.”

Pierce takes office on Jan. 1.

“This badge is not a badge of authority,” he said. “It is a badge of trust. You all have entrusted me to fulfill my duties and to serve you. I promise you I will serve you all to the best of my abilities.”

Pierce served 18 years in the sheriff’s office, rising to sergeant and serving in that rank in both the Uniform Patrol Division and the Narcotics Unit. He obtained intermediate certification, advanced certification, supervisory certification and management certification, and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.