FROM THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams has received the National Sheriff’s Association’s 2018 “Medal of Merit.”

The award acknowledges outstanding leadership and contributions to the community, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The release states that Burke County has seen more than a 50 percent reduction in crimes of violence and on property since Williams took office in 2017. The solvency rate of crimes has also more than tripled, according to the release.

Williams community related initiatives and programs that work with the youth in Burke County as also noted in the release.

“You have our respect and admiration for all of your accomplishments,” said Jonathan F. Thompson, the organization’s executive director in the release.