RON H. FREEMAN, SHERIFF

Assuming office on January 1, 2017, Ron was elected Sheriff of Forsyth County on November 8, 2016. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1987 under then Sheriff Wesley Walraven. He rose through the ranks rising to a senior Commander when he was recruited in 2013 to start the newly formed Brookhaven Police Department in Atlanta. After building that Police Department for 2 years, Ron returned home to Forsyth County and is honored to serve as Sheriff. In addition to Sheriff, he is the current 2nd Vice President of the Geogia Sheriffs Association and an appointed board member and past chair of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Sheriff Freeman's family has a long history in Georgia law enforcement. His father served as a Savannah Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff in Screven County. His uncles served as the Chief of Police at the Chatham County Police Department and the other as the Chief Deputy of the Screven County Sheriff’s Office. Together they have over 130 years of Georgia law enforcement service.

Sheriff Freeman holds a Master of Public Administration and has attended numerous executive training programs including the 197th session of the FBI National Academy, the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and the National Sheriffs Institute. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Dana, both graduated from Forsyth County High School. He and Dana have two adult children who graduated from North Forsyth High.

2017-Present Sheriff, Forsyth County, Georgia

2019-Present Georgia Sheriff's Association

Executive Board - 2nd Vice President

2018-Present Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Past Chairman

2013 – 2014 Brookhaven Police Department-Brookhaven/Atlanta, GA

Deputy Chief of Police

2006 – 2013 Forsyth County Sheriff - Cumming, GA

Commander, South Precinct

2001 – 2006 Forsyth County Sheriff's Office - Cumming, GA

Chief of Detectives/ Asst. SWAT Commander

1995 – 2001 Forsyth County Sheriff's Office-Cumming, GA

Training/Professional Standards Director/Lieutenant

1987 - 1995 Forsyth County Sheriff's Office - Cumming, GA

Deputy/Investigative Supervisor/Corporal

Education includes Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Public Safety Leadership, Associate of Criminal Justice
FBI National Academy Graduate, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School, Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development, National Sheriffs Institute
Executive Board, FBI National Academy, Past President
Executive Board, GA Sheriffs Association, 2nd Vice President
Current or past local Board of Directors with Family Haven, Bald Ridge Boys Lodge, CASA of Forsyth, LEADER, United Way Community Grants, First Baptist Church, North Forsyth Football Booster Club

Personal History

Married to Dana Freeman
2 adult children
Forsyth County resident since 1981

Experience

Sheriff of Forsyth County, 2017 – Present
Vice-Chair, Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council 2018-Present
Deputy Chief, Brookhaven Police 2013-2014
Past President, Georgia FBI National Academy Associates
South Precinct Commander Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office 2006-2013
Chief of Detectives & SWAT, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office 2001-2006
Director of Training and Professional Standards 1995-2001
Lieutenant, Watch Commander
Detective Corporal
Deputy Sheriff

Education

Master of Public Administration, University of Phoenix
Bachelor’s Degree, Organizational Leadership, Reinhardt University
Associate’s Degree, Criminal Justice, Gainesville College
Forsyth County High School, 1987 Graduate

Management Training

FBI National Academy, Class 197
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Leadership
National Sheriff’s Institute 116th Session
Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff’s Elect Academy
Command College Class 18, Columbus State University
Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development Course
UGA Carl Vinson Institute Management for Local Government

Professional Development Certifications

Sheriff Executive, P.O.S.T.
Executive Certification, P.O.S.T.
Management Certification, P.O.S.T.

Advanced Training Certifications

Management Level 1-3
SWAT
Marksman/Observer, GPSTC
Officer Survival Instructor, Metro Dade, Florida
Criminal Investigations Management

Instructor Certifications

Firearms Instructor
Senior POST Instructor
Defensive Tactics Instructor
Officer Survival Instructor
Multi-Weapons Firearms Instructor

Community Involvement

Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
Rotary Club of South Forsyth
CASA of Forsyth Board of Directors
LEADER of Forsyth Board of Directors
Past Board Member, Family Haven & Bald Ridge Boys Lodge
Past Deacon and member of First Baptist Church Cumming
Youth Football Coach

Awards

Medal of Valor
Medal of Merit
Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Officer of the Year
Honor Graduate Session 84th session, NE Ga Police Academy