Leading Us Into A New Year

Both Toombs and Montgomery Counties have new sheriffs in town, but their sheriffs’ names haven’t changed much, as former Toombs County Sheriff Alvie “Junior” Kight and Montgomery County Sheriff Doug Maybin’s sons have succeeded their fathers’ positions.

New Toombs County Sheriff Jordan Kight was officially sworn into office on Thursday, December 19, at the regular meeting of the Toombs County

Photo by Makaylee Randolph

Photo by Makaylee Randolph continued from page

Board of Commissioners. Kight is a lifelong resident of Toombs County and graduated from Toombs County High School; following graduation, Kight earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and has since expanded his knowledge about law enforcement through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Professional Management Program at Columbus State University, Georgia Sheriff’s Association Command Staff Training, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Program.

In 2002, Kight began working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a Drug Task Force Agent; he was promoted to Assistant Commander of the Force in 2007. Kight joined his father at the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office in 2015, where he served as Captain of Investigations until assuming the role as sheriff.

According to Kight, his three top goals for his first term as sheriff are to combat gang violence within the county, become better equipped to handle mental health issues among the citizens, and address drug addiction and the issues that stem from it within the area.

Prior to Kight’s assumption of the office of sheriff, his father Junior Kight served the county for 26 years; he announced his retirement in August 2023. Sheriff Jordan Kight was opposed by fellow law enforcement officials Wesley Walker and Rodney Wardlaw in the race for the position but came out victorious in both the primary and general elections.

Kight spoke on his excitement about this new position. “When asked, how do I feel about becoming the new Sheriff, I find myself filled with so many different thoughts and emotions. I am excited but humbled in starting a new chapter in my life as your Sheriff,” he began. “I realize that this is not only about me, but also a new chapter for Toombs County. After 25 years, Toombs County has a new face as its chief law enforcement officer. My father was that face for 25 years, and God has allowed me to continue the legacy he began.”

He continued, “When I think about it, it’s pretty neat that my new chapter in life has created history. For the first time in the history of Toombs County, a father and now son will hold the title of Sheriff. This would not be possible without God and the mentorship that I have received from a man I have called Sheriff since 1998. I have worked with my father for over 21 years during my law enforcement career. We’ve always had a close working relationship, and I will deeply miss that but now get to call him my dad again. It is such an honor and privilege to serve Toombs County. It’s a privilege you cannot fully appreciate its value unless you have the opportunity to serve people in this capacity. God has given me the duty and responsibility to serve Toombs County, and I will do that with everything in my heart. I will always do my job with the highest standards and expectations set forth in our core values of professionalism, integrity, respect, loyalty, and courage.”

Across the county line, another father passed the badge to his son, as Sheriff Doug Maybin retired after 10 years as the Montgomery County Sheriff and his son Ben Maybin began his first term.

Sheriff Ben Maybin is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County and has worked to protect the community and county for 24 years, serving both the Mount Vernon Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Maybin was sworn in at a ceremony in the Montgomery County Courtroom on Monday, December 30.

Prior to Maybin’s assuming the role as sheriff, his father Doug Maybin became the leader of the Sheriff’s Department after being appointed to the position by former Montgomery County Probate Judge Rubie Nell Sanders following the tragic death of former Montgomery County Sheriff Ladson O’Connor. After this appointment to fulfill the final two years of O’Connor’s term, former Sheriff Maybin ran for reelection twice, before deciding that 2025 would be the year he retired from the force. Sheriff Ben Maybin qualified for the position unopposed in March 2024.

Maybin spoke on this new role. “I am deeply honored to take the oath of office as Sheriff of Montgomery County,” he began. “This moment is especially meaningful as I follow in the footsteps of my father, who served as Sheriff for the past ten years. His legacy of fairness, leadership, and service to our community will be a constant source of inspiration as I take on this role. I am profoundly grateful for the trust the community has placed in me, and I promise to serve with honesty, integrity, and dedication.”

He stated that the focus of his administration would be on strengthening partnerships with the community to ensure open communication and collaboration; enhancing training and resources for deputies, equipping them to face modern challenges with professionalism; and adopting innovative strategies to combat illegal drugs and crime while prioritizing support for victims.

“Together, we will uphold the values of fairness, professionalism, and integrity in every aspect of our work. With the support of our community, I believe we can make Montgomery County a safer and more vibrant place for everyone,” Maybin emphasized. “I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable. I am proud to serve as your Sheriff and look forward to building a stronger future for our county together.”

These sheriffs officially began their terms on January 1 and are currently leading the public safety services within their respective counties.

SHERIFF BEN MAYBIN – Montgomery County Sheriff Ben Maybin swears in during a formal ceremony at the Montgomery County Courthouse on December 30. L to R: Retired Montgomery County Probate Judge Rubie Nell Sanders, Sheriff Ben Maybin, Michelle Maybin.