THOMASVILLE- In a retirement ceremony unlike any other, 61 years worth of friends, fellow sheriffs, legislators, officials, and community members gathered at The Plaza to commemorate Carlton Powell’s career as the longest-serving sheriff in the state of Georgia.

Powell began his career in Kansas, before moving south to Thomasville for a cheaper way of living. He then rose through the ranks at the former Thomas County Police Department, before he was named Sheriff of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office on January 1, 1977.

With such a storied history, officials from around the state wanted to send Powell their well wishes and congratulations on a job well done.

Paul Fryer from the office of Congressman Sanford Bishop presented Powell with a plaque, along with a letter penned by Bishop.

“Congratulations on your retirement,” wrote Bishop. “I commend you for your 48 years of dedicated, yet exemplary service you’ve rendered to Thomasville, Thomas County, and Georgia.”

Bishop applauded Powell’s commitment to his community.

“You have given so much to so many for so long,” he wrote. “You have left a legacy in Thomas County and the surrounding areas. Your tireless efforts will not be forgotten.”

State Representative Darlene Taylor echoed Bishop’s words, sharing her gratitude for Powell’s service and advancement of crime-solving technology in South Georgia.

“During his distinguished tenure in Thomas County, he has led the smallest county in Georgia to obtain the automatic fingerprint identification machine,” Taylor said. “He is a man of unquestioned integrity and dedication to the administration of justice and sound principles on law enforcement.”

Taylor went on to explain Powell’s positive nature has had a profound impact on other law enforcement professionals, along with members of the community.

She not only shared her gratitude, but great thanks from the State House of Representatives, for displaying what public service meant for the last six decades.

The office of Gov. Brian Kemp sent Jody Redding, a relative of Powell’s to share in their congratulations.

“You’re someone I’ve always looked up to,” Redding told Powell, before reading a personalized letter from Kemp.

“On behalf of the state of Georgia, it is an honor to congratulate you on your retirement,” Kemp wrote. “During your 46 years in Thomas County, you have played a prominent role in law enforcement, and we join the entire county in thanking you for your service.”

Kemp personalized the letter thanking Powell for not only his professionalism but also his friendship over the years.

“Godspeed in the days ahead,” Kemp closed.

Following well wishes from local and state officials, fellow officers took a moment to share their gratitude toward Powell’s leadership.

Craig Bailey from the Valdosta FBI Field Office spoke on his first time meeting Powell.

“I moved to Valdosta about ten years ago, and we cover 13 counties, so I came down to meet the Sheriff because, in this line of work, you need good relationships,” he said. “The sheriff was professional and polite and told me he was here for me in whatever I needed.”

Powell went on to introduce Bailey to his staff, ensuring their help whenever called upon.

“Thank you for your friendship and all you’ve helped us accomplish,” Bailey said, before reading a letter from FBI Director Christopher Ray, as one of his last official acts as Director.

“Congratulations on your retirement after 64 years of law enforcement service,” Ray wrote. “Our colleagues in our Atlanta division have enjoyed their working relationship with you and I share their appreciation for your outstanding support of the FBI.”

Ray went on to say Powell’s leadership was pivotal in the success of the Southwest Georgia Gang Task Force, which will have a longstanding impact, even after Powell’s retirement.

Local sheriffs Wiley Griffin of Decatur County and recently retired sheriff Harry Young of Grady County shared in their appreciation as well, noting Powell’s advice and leadership helped them to further their careers.

“He was very helpful in what he did,” said Griffin. “As Darlene mentioned, he brought over a fingerprint machine and these other offices depended on Carlton Powell because he was the expert. His willingness to help South Georgia with that means a lot.”

Powell also advised Young when he was first elected, encouraging him to treat others as he would want to be treated.

“I’ve always loved him and always will,” said Young. “I’ve dedicated my 20 years of service to him. You will always be my best friend.”

While all of the plaques and kind words were undoubtedly special, Sheriff Tim Watkins and the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office presented Powell with a gift, spanning decades.

Powell was gifted a shadow box containing all of the patches of law enforcement offices where Powell had worked and the agencies who had worked under him.

“I was not able to find the one from the Thomas County Police Department, but we have the old sheriff patch and the new one,” Watkins said.

Other patches included the original hat pin from when Powell started at the Sheriff’s office, along with patches from the SWAT team, GBI, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Department of Corrections.

Powell was also gifted a Judge 410 shotgun pistol, along with a box of shells.

Of course, the night couldn’t conclude without a word of thanks and appreciation from the Thomas County Board of Commissioners.

“61 years is a long time,” said Board Chairman Mark NeSmith. “I, as well as many others, have grown up respecting you as a friend and as the Sheriff of our county.”

NeSmith went on to say that over Powell’s 48 years of serving as Sheriff, he’s seen two sides to him.

“On one side you carry out the duties as Sheriff and keep the peace of our community, and protect our people in harm’s way,” he said. “But, on the other side, I see compassion and a helpful hand.”

NeSmith said Powell’s compassion and generosity was always given to those who needed it most, as Powell’s goal was to never rule with an iron fist and fill the jail.

“Your judgments of people were never made according to their socioeconomic status,” NeSmith said. “You treated us all with the same respect.”

NeSmith concluded by thanking Powell for always doing the right thing and for teaching his staff the importance of compassion.

He then presented Powell with an engraved plaque, sharing his beginning and end days of service to Thomas County.

Powell appreciated all the kind words but iterated it was not he who made Thomas County a great place to live and work.

“It was the people at the Sheriff’s Office who made this place safe,” he said. “I had a great staff. For them, I am very grateful for what they have done.”

Powell not only shared his gratitude for his team but also to Thomas County, who welcomed him and his family with open arms so many years ago.

“It was the people of Thomas County who provided me a job for 61 years,” he said. “I thank y’all from the bottom of my heart and thank you for the time I got to serve here.”