Growing up on a farm in rural Georgia, I never dreamed I would one day be testifying before the U.S. Senate encouraging the creation of Homeland Security. Along the way I was fortunate to help my Dad in his mission to eradicate moonshine in our county and then follow in his footsteps when I was elected the youngest sheriff in the state upon his death. During my years as sheriff I handled numerous murders that gained international attention and even believe to have had an encounter with Patty Hearst during her time with the Symbionese Liberation Army.
Leaving the office of sheriff, I led the Georgia Emergency Management Agency during numerous major natural disasters, oversaw the State of Georgia's involvement in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and directed the cleanup of a crematory malpractice.
I've had the opportunity to meet with American Presidents, state leaders, and international officials on the issues of terrorism and disasters – natural and manmade. The funny, the sad, and the proud moments of my career have given me a great appreciation for the people around me.