The City of Thomasville received notice on Friday, April 5, 2019, from Sheriff Carlton Powell that the Thomas County Sheriff’s deputies will no longer participate in the joint SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit between the Thomasville Police Department and the Thomas County Sheriff’s Department.
“We received notification on Friday that the Sheriff plans to pull Thomas County Sheriff’s deputies out of a joint SWAT unit between the Sheriff’s Department and Thomasville Police Department. Although the decision was unexpected, we will honor it,” said City Manager Alan Carson.
Carson went on to say that the decision would have no impact on the SWAT operations for the citizens of Thomasville.
“The TPD SWAT members are highly trained and have all of the necessary equipment to perform any critical task that is necessary to protect our citizens,” Carson said.
Police Chief Troy Rich stated that he had appointed Sgt. Scott Newberry as SWAT Commander for the City.
“Sgt. Newberry has been the Assistant SWAT Commander for the last several years and was identified as the next SWAT Commander in our succession plan,” Rich said. “Sgt. Newberry is highly trained and experienced for this role, and I have absolute confidence in his ability to lead the TPD SWAT in future operations.”
Carson added that the City remains committed to providing mutual aid for Thomas County and surrounding counties in the event they need assistance.