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Legacy, commitment invoked as Baugh sworn in as sheriff Friday
With the Putnam Superior courtroom packed with fellow officers, well-wishers and supporters of his campaign, Jerrod Baugh’s swearing in as Putnam County’s newest sheriff Friday morning was imbued with personal meaning.
Donning his signature cowboy hat, and with wife Tara holding a Bible and daughter Gayle also standing beside, Baugh swore his oath from Judge Denny Bridges also wearing a badge and a holster his father once did. The ceremony was marked by gratitude in continuing this legacy.
As the ceremony was prepared, former Bainbridge Town Marshal Rodney Fenwick shortly related that the late Jim Baugh was his best friend within 35 years in law enforcement. Taking stock of this, he expressed confidence that “the latest” will be better.
“I always knew where his destiny was,” Fenwick said as one who watched Baugh grow up and make his way. He also commended Tara for standing behind Baugh in spite of the dangerous work that comes with being a police officer.
Before taking his oath, Baugh declared that no great undertaking should be begun without invoking “the blessings of deity.” His incoming chief deputy Tom Sutherlin duly spoke a prayer for guidance in their duties.
“So help me God and keep me steadfast,” Baugh then affirmed as cheers and claps resonated. Even so, he synthesized in a “stump speech” his appreciation for those he has worked alongside and befriended along the way.
Saying he had many conversations with the deity in question, Baugh noted that he owed much to his family and friends both professional and personal, all of which he could count in the courtroom. Without them, he said, he would not have anything.
Now having the next four years to prove his mettle, Baugh, choked up at points, thanked the community for putting its trust in him and bestowing him the opportunity in the democratic process. He highlighted looking forward to working with Sutherlin, the merit deputies and the jailers.
“God is always gonna be first. Second is my wife,” Baugh said, humorously cautioning that it was just the order. “Third is the citizens of Putnam County. And I will answer to all three accordingly.”
Being 28 years ago when he worked at Lester Wilson’s photography shop, Baugh recalled a quote by Henry David Thoreau that he wrote on a beach photo from his and Tara’s honeymoon: “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
His being elected sheriff an unexpected but appreciated moment, Baugh indicated that he hopes to continually learn and improve as her performs his duties. He ultimately came back to the legacy and consequence behind that time-tarnished badge.
“There was plenty of room for ‘James,’ and I don’t know if that was foresight or not,” Baugh said. “This badge is only on me because of the citizens, and they have an opportunity to remove it over four years, and we all know that.”