As we roll into 2023, the majority of us have just spent time with family reflecting on recent and not so recent days. I am always reminded today and every day to give thanks for the blessings and good fortunes that surrounds our lives. It is a blessing to be in, what I feel, the greatest profession of all and having the opportunity to give back to my community. I am extremely blessed to be home, living and working in the community I grew up in. Because of this, my life, my wife’s life, and our children’s lives are enriched by the people and places that surround us and I am grateful for the community in which we live.

It always lifts my spirits to take a drive down any of the busy highways or back roads that make up Rockdale County. Our county’s beauty is and forever will be a focal point of people who come to visit…and often end up staying. No other county has the spectacular countryside that ours does – from the peak of Stone Mountain and rustling water of Costley Mills to the numerous fitness and walking trails. The beauty that surrounds us is a gift for all of us who take part in it.

We should be grateful for our easy access to I-20 and of course the great protection provided by this sheriff’s office and Conyers Police. We also recognize the great efforts of Chief Gene Wilson and his department who work with us hand in hand to keep this community safe. Our schools and programs are second to none and are proving to be great as we have more and more students finding jobs and going to college.

Our economic development is growing and our Chamber of Commerce is out every day encouraging businesses to be a part of this community. The movie and television industry is flourishing here which brings revenue to our county and provides jobs for our residents. This also helps downtown Conyers evolve into an epicenter of what is to come.

Of course, there are tons of things to be thankful for in this community. The new county chair, new judges (juvenile and probate), and new and old faces that will help us uplift each other and continue moving this county forward. Several civic and charitable organizations, like our Rotary Club, reach out and uplift the lives of our neighbors each year, tackling problems such as homelessness and taking care of children. Another innovative program is the Rockdale County Jail and its re-entry program designed to improve an offender’s successful reentry back into the community.

Lastly, let us be thankful that we live in such a wonderful country and county. Rockdale County is looking forward to new opportunities and change with a new Chairman, Commissioner, and state level representatives. We are blessed to see a new year and new opportunities in such a great place to live.

Be safe.

Sheriff Eric J Levett