Meet the Sheriff

John volunteers for the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes and helps organize the Annual Chatham County Sheriff's Office Poker Run. He is a lifelong resident of Savannah and lives with his wife Dorothy. They have two grown children together. 

John previously served in the US Navy and US Army Reserve for six years. Since 1974, he has worked at the Sheriff's Office in various roles. He retired in 2014 and was elected Chatham County Sheriff in 2016 and still serves in this capacity. 

John Theodore Wilcher is the Chatham County Sheriff. He was elected in a special election in April 2016 and reelected in November 2016 and 2020. He is currently serving his second term as county sheriff and running for reelection in 2024. 

As of July 25, 2024, John Theodore Wilcher did not have a website or any information online.

Public Safety

The Sheriff's Office became the first jail in the country to receive accreditation for mental health services under Sheriff Wilcher.

- The Sheriff's Office became the first jail in the country to receive accreditation for mental health services under Sheriff Wilcher.

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John Theodore Wilcher

As of July 25, 2024, Richard Stuart Coleman did not have a website or any information online.

Savannah Morning News: Longtime police officer Richard Coleman

Richard Stuart Coleman has 22 years of experience as a police officer. Richard previously worked at the Thunderbolt Police Department as police detective, sergeant, captain, and then interim police chief. He later worked for the Stillmore Police Department as an assistant police chief. He additionally has experience as chief of internal affairs, captain of criminal investigations, and chief of police.

Ballotpedia: Richard Stuart Coleman

Richard Stuart Coleman's campaign for county sheriff is his first entry into politics. 

Said, "Crime and safety is just a big issue that we're facing in this country. People are losing their lives, and somebody's got to step up and take the burden of responsibility. And that's me."

Promises to expand the police department and to deputize all law enforcement personnel.

- Said, "Crime and safety is just a big issue that we're facing in this country. People are losing their lives, and somebody's got to step up and take the burden of responsibility. And that's me."
- Promises to expand the police department and to deputize all law enforcement personnel.

Richard Stuart Coleman

The County Sheriff is an elected official who acts as the chief law enforcement officer in their county. They are tasked with operating the county jails, keeping courtrooms secure during trials, and keeping the public safe through proper law enforcement. Each Sheriff's Office in Georgia may look a little different in how they hire and run their teams, but all County Sheriffs have the same duties. These duties include the following:

- Operating the county jail
- Providing court security
- Serving civil papers
- Executing arrest warrants
- Providing primary law enforcement within unincorporated areas of the county
- Working with city law enforcement officers to keep municipalities safe

The County Sheriff and their office are unique to other law enforcement agencies in that it has to answer to the people it serves. Historically, a turnover in the Sheriff’s office will likely result in noticeable change within the office, so voting for this office is a very effective way to vote approval or disapproval for how county law enforcement is conducted.

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