THOMASVILLE- The 2024 General Election has resulted in a new sheriff in town. Tim Watkins will take over the helm of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office after securing a victory over Leila Spires.

Watkins received received 14,166 votes, while Spires received 7,523 votes.

Watkins will have big shoes to fill, stepping into the role previously held by Carlton Powell, who has headed the department for nearly five decades. The win also marks the first Republican sheriff for Thomas County.

“I appreciate the citizens of Thomas County for believing in me and electing me to this position, I am truly honored and humbled,” he said.

Watkins is honored to have received the popular vote from the citizens of Thomasville and Thomas County but re-iterated that becoming Sheriff was not something that happened overnight.

“I wouldn’t have this position had it not been for the years of great mentors,” he said. “I thank Capt. Richards and John White with the GBI, who taught me how to work cases diligently. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Watkins also thanked his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who instilled the value of hard work throughout his youth.

As he prepares for the next phase in his career, Watkins said he is aware some issues must be addressed quickly, including the jail conditions.

“Taking care of the jail is the first thing on the agenda,” he said. “We have a plan in place to use SPLOST funds to update it. It has not been updated in 32 years.”

Watkins is also interested in locating a range for the TCSO to practice and train at. His hope is to begin discussions with the city about a place both county and city emergency personnel, first responders, and fire rescue can all utilize.

“We are all in this together and we all work for the citizens of Thomas County,” he concluded.