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Sheriff Ira Edwards, Jr. was born in Dublin, Georgia to the
proud parents of the Reverend and Mrs. Ira Edwards, Sr. He is
the seventh child of eight siblings and is a graduate of the University of Georgia
where he received his B.S. Degree in Sociology with a focus in Criminal
Studies. He received his Masters in Public Administration at Columbus State
University and is a graduate of the National Sheriff s’ Institute where he
was nominated class president. He is a graduate of the Georgia
International Law Enforcement Exchange in Tel-Aviv, Israel, and recently
graduated from the 239th Session F.B.I. National Academy on December 11,
2009 in Quantico, Virginia. He is also an Executive Certified Instructor
for the National Sheriffs’ Association Homeland Security. Sheriff Edwards
is a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society and the Grand Boule Delta
Chapter Sigma Pi Phi.
Sheriff Edwards is a 24-year law enforcement veteran, beginning his career
with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in 1985. He would later transfer to
the City of Athens Police Department where he served until he was elected
as the first African American Sheriff of Clarke County. He also became the
first African American to win a county- wide election in Clarke County. He
is now serving his third term as Sheriff of Clarke County. One of Sheriff
Edwards’ proudest accomplishments was when the Clarke County Sheriff’s
Office became the recipient of the 2007 State of Georgia Law Enforcement
Certification, becoming the 10th Sheriff’s Office in the State of Georgia
to receive this prestigious award. This milestone was the first time in
history for the Clarke County Sheriffs’ Office. Sheriff Edwards and his
TEAM is currently pursuing CALEA which is the national accreditation for
the Clarke County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Edwards has served in many capacities as a community servant and
leader. Some of these capacities include: Co-hosted 2007 & 2008
Community Event, “Evening of Inspiration & Hope”, featuring renown
speakers, Dr. Ben Carson and Dr. Wintley Phipps; Hosted 2002 & 2006
State D.A.R.E Conference; Host annual Sheriff Edwards’ Charity Ride for
youth; Clarke County School District Adopt a School Partnership; and
motivational speaker for youth groups.
Sheriff Edwards has served on several committees on a local, state, and
national level. Some of these committees include: 2008 Appointee to the
D.A.R.E. International Executive Law Enforcement Advisory Board, Chairman
for the National Sheriffs’ Association Chaplain’s Committee, Board
Member and Past President for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes,
President for Peace Officers for Christ of N.E. Georgia, Board Member for
the Domestic Task Force, and Executive Board Member for the Boy Scouts of
N.E. Georgia.
Sheriff Edwards is
happily married to Teresa Pearson Edwards of 26 years and have three
children: Lamar, Brandon, and Jasmine. He is an active member at Timothy
Baptist Church in Athens.
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