I began my law enforcement career on March 1, 1981 at only 24 years old. Now, 31 years later, I’m still doing the job I’ve dedicated my life to. And even after all these years, this job never gets old. Each day is an adventure, as I never know what’s going to happen next.Throughout my career, I’ve worked many different areas of law enforcement, including the jail, uniform patrol, criminal investigations, undercover narcotics and several supervisory positions. And five years of my career were dedicated to serving the citizens of Gilmer County, working for both the Sheriff’s Office and the former Gilmer County Police Department.

I am also aware of all the different challenges that law enforcement in the 21st century pose. I am well versed in all areas of law enforcement and believe it is the duty of all elected officials, especially in this struggling economy, to make every single taxpayer dollar count.

During my career, I’ve attended well over 2000 hours of training, including those classes required for both Intermediate and Advanced certifications. I’ve also attended all levels of supervisory and management classes, and the knowledge gained from this training has greatly enhanced my knowledge of the business side of law enforcement.

I have lived in Gilmer County for over 41 years and I have deep family roots here, as my mother, Lola, was the daughter of Elder N. R. and Rilla Mooney. My father, Tom, owned his own electrical company for several years before a disabling kidney disease forced his retirement. My parents and grandparents are now deceased, but I have a very large family still living and or working here in Gilmer County.

I am the father of Jennifer Hunter Wright and the late Bubba Hunter, who passed away in June of 1996 at 11 years old following a two year battle with cancer. My brothers and sister, as well as our children and grandchildren, still live, work and attend schools here.

I’ve been employed with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for the past 18 years, and I’m currently a Watch Commander working out of the North Precinct with the rank of Lieutenant.

Some of you may not know me personally, but a great many of you know that every December for the last several years, I host a Santa Claus phone line for children to call and listen to messages involving Rudolph giving Santa a hard time while waiting on Christmas Eve. I’ve returned literally thousands of phone calls, from both here in Gilmer County and to as many as 30 different states and Puerto Rico during the Christmas season. What started out as something for my family has turned into a full time job for thirty days! And without the help of Ellijay Telephone Company making sure I get the same phone number each year this project would have never taken off like it has.

I have seen first-hand the struggles our deputies face while doing a tough job to the best of their abilities. When elected, I promise to put the citizens of Gilmer County first in all aspects of my administration. I promise to create a Sheriff’s Office that not only the deputies are proud to work for, but our citizens can be just as proud of. And I promise to serve you with honor and integrity, operating a Sheriff’s Office that is beyond reproach.

I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Gilmer County, and as your next Sheriff, you can be assured that Gilmer County will have the best Sheriff’s Office it’s ever had, and you the citizen will receive the kind of law enforcement services that not only do your taxes pay for, but you are entitled to as well.
Thank you all for your vote and support! You may reach me at: 678-701-VOTE (8683) or look me up on the web at: www.tommyhunterforsheriff.com or Facebook at: tommyhunterforsheriff.