THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Commission chambers were filled with support for Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell on Tuesday night. 

Ochlocknee resident Ronny Herring spoke of “one special person” in the commission chambers during the Thomas County Board of Commissioners meeting. 

“That is our sheriff, Carlton Powell,” he said. 

Noting issues Powell has faced recently, Herring added, ‘”He ain’t only a sheriff to me, he’s a friend.” 

Herring’s comments about Powell drew applause. 

“If that was a motion, I’d like to second it,” said an audience member. 

Other attendees showed support in a different manner. 

Long-time Thomas County Sheriff’s Office employee Charity Manwaring asked those who supported Powell to stand. 

A majority of the approximately 50 attendees stood. 

At the Aug. 22 county commission meeting, Thomas County NAACP chapter president Lucinda Brown called for Powell’s resignation and a recall election if he did not step down. Brown spoke about the desired resignation in the wake of a drug squad agent fatally shooting a Thomasville man on Aug. 15.

Powell is the commanding officer of the Thomasville-Thomas County Narcotics/Vice Division. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.