By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

John “Big John” Williams was officially sworn in as Sheriff of Lowndes County on Sunday by Probate Judge John Hulett at The Original Shiloh Baptist Church in Hayneville.

The wife and daughter of former Lowndes County Sheriff Willie Vaughner presented Williams with his first Sheriff’s bars.

Lowndes County Commission Chairman Charlie King, Jr said the County has worked with the Sheriffs office over the past three decades to improve facilities and training of officers.

“When John Hulett was Sheriff, he came to the County Commission and wanted to build the John Hulett Detention Facility. Sheriff Willie Vaughner came to us and said he wanted to bring E911 to Lowndes County. Then Chip Williams came before the Commissioners and wanted to improve the technology in the cruisers,” said King. “As the Commission Chairman, the County Commission will work with him (Williams) during his term as Sheriff.”

Williams said his first duty as Sheriff will be to continue working closely with the county and residents.

“I plan on working with community and law enforcement as I have for the past 20 to 30 years,” said Williams.