Hufstetler campaigns at Republican Women of South Georgia meeting
Apr. 12—THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Sheriff candidate David Hufstetler was the guest speaker at the regular monthly meeting of the Republican Women of South Georgia, where he shared his future ambitions for the TCSO.
Hufstetler was introduced by Michelle Kimbler, president, whereupon Hufstetler gave his background information. He described being raised in Moultrie by a single mom along with two brothers, Steve and Marty. He described a long time work history, beginning at the age of 6 "handing" tobacco for $2 for a half day's work.
Hufstetler informed those present of his graduating from Moultrie High School and several years later relocating to Athens to continue his education and begin a career in law enforcement at the University of Georgia Police Department. After four years serving in various capacities at the UGA Police Department, including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, and finally as the drug enforcement officer, Hufstetler was recruited by local law enforcement, Sheriff R. Carlton Powell, and then-Chief of Thomasville Police Department John Perry to serve as the commander of the newly formed Thomasville-Thomas Co. Drug Squad in 1980.
Hufstetler served in that position for 12 years, giving him 16 years of law enforcement experience, before going into private business with his two brothers. In 1998, Hufstetler and his two brothers began another business involving the acquisition and development of commercial properties. Both businesses still operate.
Hufstetler pointed out that his 16 years of law enforcement, along with over 30 years in business, understanding financial, personnel, and cooperation with all other law enforcement agencies makes him the most capable candidate to take over the Sheriff's Office day-to-day operations. Hufstetler commended Powell for building, in Hufstetler's opinion, one of, if not the best, sheriff's office operations in the Southeastern United States. He also pointed out that upon Powell's retirement on December 31, 2024, Powell's 48 years of service as Thomas County Sheriff will tie for 2nd longest sitting sheriff in the United States.
Hufstetler added that no major changes are planned in the Sheriff's Office's current operations. All personnel presently employed will continue in their respective capacities. Hufstetler added, "The first order of business will be to employ the part of the Hippocratic oath that says, 'first, do no harm.'" He said he would then go into the sheriff's office each morning with the goal of, "What can we do today to make the sheriff's office a more efficient operation serving all the people of Thomas County."
Hufstetler concluded by saying, "I'd be honored to have your vote. and if elected, I promise to do you all a good job and make you all proud!"
