Athens-Clarke police officer plans to run for sheriff of Jackson County
An officer with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has announced he will seek the office of Jackson County Sheriff in the 2024 election.
Chris Nichols is currently a captain serving as Administrative Division Commander. He has risen through the ranks since joining the department as a patrol officer in 2001.
Janis Mangum, the current sheriff of Jackson County, announced a year ago that she would not seek re-election for a fourth term.
Not long after her announcement, Jackson County sheriff’s Capt. Dale Dillow, who serves as commander of the investigations division, announced he is a candidate for sheriff.
With a population in the county of about 84,000, more candidates for sheriff’s post could announce prior to the primaries of 2024.
“I believe with the right leadership and a strong connection between law enforcement and the community, we can build a safer and more prosperous future for Jackson County,” Nichols said in a statement released with his announcement.
Nichols graduated Hart County High School and worked for the Hart County and Elbert County sheriff’s offices as a communications officer before joining the police department in Athens. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Columbus State University and he is an emergency medical instructor.
He and his wife, Carmen, have three children. He serves roles in the community including the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority and the Northeast Georgia Medical Reserve Corps.
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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: ACC Police Commander Chris Nichols to run for Jackson County sheriff
