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Sosebee announces candidacy for sheriff
Frank Sosebee MUG
Sosebee

A 32-year law enforcement veteran is the fourth candidate to announce his intention to run for Dawson County Sheriff.

Frank Sosebee is currently chief of security for the Hall County Correctional Institution.

Prior to accepting the position in 2013, he served 17 years with the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, rising through the ranks from patrol deputy to assistant jail commander.

At the age of 52, Sosebee has trained, worked, supervised and managed in all facets of law enforcement, having begun his career with the Hall County Sheriff's Office in 1983 where he served in many capacities, including jailer, patrol deputy, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, crime scene tech and sergeant.

"I have the right experience and a new vision to lead the sheriff's office into the future," he said.

Earlier this year, longtime Sheriff Billy Carlisle announced he would not seek re-election to a sixth term in 2016.

A Command College graduate at Columbus State University, Sosebee will graduate from Reinhardt University in May 2016 with plans to continue his education by obtaining his master's degree in public administration.

With deep family roots in Dawson County, he and his family are active members of Harbor Worship Center.

He also holds memberships in various civic and professional organizations.

"The characteristics of a strong leader are not governed by what he has accomplished during his career, but how he influenced others sharing his knowledge and experience as a professional law enforcement officer," Sosebee said. "Over the past 32 years, I have exemplified these traits and will walk hand in hand and side by side with our officers and community."

Sosebee said working with youth in the community has been an honor he holds close to his heart.

"I've had the pleasure to coach children from ages 5 to 14 at the park and recreation in baseball and basketball. I was inspired by many to start the first ever Junior American Legion Baseball Team, POST 247," he said. "I became a mentor to these children, and today what is most inspiring to me is seeing these young men and women who are successful with families and now they are coaching and mentoring children."

Sosebee said he is committed to serving the citizens of Dawson County.

"I am the right choice to lead the sheriff's office in a direction geared not only to enforce laws, but provide safety for our children, citizens and businesses," he said.

Values learned as a child from his parents are the guiding principles Sosebee said he follows every day.

"We must express the courage to step forth and lead by example, which exemplifies what was taught to each of us as children," he said. "As I reflect back on the guidance of my parents and grandparents and how instrumental they were during my childhood, I clearly see the foundation that supports my beliefs, and that is God.

"We too often forget our grass roots and those values instilled by our families, but our faith in God keeps us steadfast and focused on the future of our great profession."

Sosebee is the fourth candidate announcing intention to run for sheriff in next year's election.

Jeff Perry, 50, who currently serves as a chief parole officer with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles; Dawson County Sheriff's spokesman Capt. Tony Wooten; and Maj. Jeff Johnson, commander of the Dawson County Jail, are also running for the office.

All four candidates are republicans.