Written by: On Common Ground News
Donald Ferguson says he plans to qualify for the position of Rockdale County sheriff, vowing to make the county a safer place for residents and businesses.
“I am concerned about the citizens, and am passionate about the quality of life and safety of all Rockdale County citizens and stakeholders,” Ferguson said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “Every day, you hear about businesses being burglarized, home invasions, deaths or shootings in the community, even negative interaction between citizens and law enforcement. There’s a disconnect. We need more visibility in our neighborhoods and community programs for our youth to keep them out of trouble.”
This year will mark Ferguson’s third bid for sheriff. In 2012, he ran against Eric Levett, who is now the incumbent, and in 2008, he ran against former sheriff Jeff Wigington.
Ferguson said he plans to establish community-oriented patrols to aggressively prevent home invasions, burglaries and robberies. He said establishing youth substance abuse programs, gang intervention programs, combatting crime against seniors and stopping sex trafficking in Rockdale are among his top priorities. Ferguson said enhancing Rockdale’s emergency preparedness plan also is one of his main goals. He said having a defined plan is critical in ensuring safety for residents in the event of a disaster. He promised, if elected, to minimize language barriers with various ethnic groups in Rockdale.
Ferguson has 26 years of law enforcement experience, having worked with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He is a candidate for a doctorate in education from Grand Canyon University in organizational development and leadership. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University (2008). Ferguson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice (1982) and Bachelor of Arts degree (1981) from the University of West Georgia. Ferguson is a graduate of the 93rd AOC Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute (The Institute for Law Enforcement Administration), the 29th Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Ferguson is a Georgia P.O.S.T certified master training instructor, served as the agency’s accreditation manager, and as an adjunct instructor in Criminal Justice at the West Georgia Technical College (Carrollton, Georgia). Ferguson has served as a member with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #64, the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives; and the National and Georgia Sheriff’s Association.
Ferguson is the father of three children, Donald DeAndre’, Kandace and Darius. He is also a member of Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers.