On May 18th, Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley was honored by Toccoa Falls College with the presentation of the President’s Medallion Award. The President’s Medallion Award is presented to an individual who displays selfless service to the kingdom of God, the community, and the College.

Sheriff Randy Shirley graduated from Stephens County High School in 1973.  He continued his education at Brenau University where he graduated Cum Laude in 1987, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. While in college, he was on the National Dean’s list 1984 – 1986, was included in the Who’s Who among students in American Universities and Colleges. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Honor Society.

 Sheriff Shirley was elected to the Office of Sheriff in 2008.  He is currently serving in his third term as sheriff. Prior to his election, he was chief of the Lavonia Police Department from 1999 to 2008, during which time the agency obtained State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification. He also formed a detective division there.

 From 1974 to 1980, Sheriff Shirley served with the Toccoa Police Department as a police officer and with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff and was later promoted to investigator. 
He was also a special agent with the Georgia Department of Labor in Atlanta from 1996 to 1999.

 He serves on boards of directors in organizations locally, statewide and on the national level. He is a past president of the Toccoa Lions Club, Toccoa Optimist Club, Toccoa Shrine Club, and the Tri-State Law Enforcement Conference.

 He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for 43-years. They have one daughter, Mandy. They are members of Hill Street Baptist Church where he serves as Deacon and assistant treasurer.

Toccoa Falls College is grateful to Sheriff Shirley and the entire Sheriff’s department for their protection and service to Toccoa Falls College.