Senior Command Staff
Lieutenant Colonel William Smith
Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Smith is currently the Commander of Headquarters Operations at the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, which is a support division that assists in keeping the Sheriff’s Office operating at maximum efficiency. It includes National and International Accreditation, Office of Professional Standards, Evidence and Property Unit, Recruiting, Background Investigations, Quartermaster, Accounting, Human Resources, Central Records, Payroll, Fleet Management, IT/RMS, and Open Records.
Lt. Col. Smith began his career with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office in 1999. As a member of the Executive Command Staff, Lt. Col. Smith has previous experience commanding other areas of the Sheriff’s Office. These areas include serving as the Commander of the Warrant/Civil Unit, Precinct Commander, SWAT Commander, Training Director and the Jail/Court Security Commander for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Col. Smith earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Jersey City State College and holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University, and a Masters of Criminal Justice from Southwest University. Lt. Colonel Smith is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia class 257, and the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College.
Lt. Col. Smith is married to Sonya M. Smith for 24 years and is the proud father of three.
Personal History:
- Married to Sonya M. Smith (24 years)
- 3 Children
Management Training:
- FBI National Academy, Class 257
- Command College, Columbus State University
- Professional Management Program, Columbus State University
- Georgia Chiefs of Police Executive Training
Advanced Training:
- Master S.W.A.T.
- Advanced S.W.A.T.
- Basic S.W.A.T.
- Advanced Marksman/Observer, GPSTC
- Basic Marksman/Observer, GPSTC
- Marine Corps Marksman/Observer FLETC
- High Threat Personal Protection, R.L. Oatman & Associates, Inc.
- Motor Operator
- Flying Armed
- (CIT) Crisis Intervention Training
- FBI (LEEDS) Law Enforcement Executive Developement Seminar
- FBI (LEEDA) Law Enforcement Executive Developement Assoc.
- (GILEE) GA International Law Enforcement Exchange
- CDL Class A Commercial Driver's License with Endorsements
- Certified Executive Protection/Evasive Driving
- Police Cyclist Patrol
- Certified and Registered Jail Officer
Community Involvement:
- Cartersville Rotary
- Catersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce
- Member FBI National Academy Associates
- Member National Tactical Officer Association
- Optimist Club
- American Jail Association
- Member Georgia Sheriff's Association
- Member International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Leadership Cherokee
- Member Peace Officers Association Georgia
- Kentucky Colonel
- Goodwill Ambassador for Israel
Education:
- Master of Public Administration, Columbus State University
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Southwest University
- Bachelor's Degree, Jersey City State College
- Associate's Degree, Middlesex County College
Professional Development:
- Management Certification P.O.S.T.
- Supervision Certification, P.O.S.T.
- Advanced Certification, P.O.S.T.
- Intermediate Certification, P.O.S.T.
Instructor Certifications:
- Firearms Instructor
- Defensive Tactics Instructor
- General Instructor
- (ALERRT) Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Instructor
- Less Lethal Munitions Instructor
- (DTO) Detention Training Officer
- (FTO) Field Training Officer
Awards:
- Medal of Bravery
- Meritorious Service Medal x 2
- Sheriff's Commendation Medal x 2
- Community Crime Prevention Medal
- Sheriff's Dedicated Service Award
- F.B.I LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award
- Community Association Outstanding Award
- S.W.A.T Team Appreciation Award
- American Legion Award
- Narcotics Agent of the Quarter Award
- Deputy of the Quarter