CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – Sheriff John Wilcher and his soon-to-be replacement Richard Coleman sat down with WSAV following the election to talk future plans.
The pair have decades of experience in law enforcement, and they are both very well-known in the community, but a little over 11,000 votes gave Coleman the win in Tuesday’s election.
Both men, reflecting on the last few months, tell me they’re proud and thankful.
“I lost the election, but I didn’t lose,” Wilcher said. “Now I can be home with my wife and my son and my stepdaughter and all. I can have a lot more time to spend with them.”
Wilcher’s been with Chatham County for 50 years, sheriff for eight. He’s also a veteran, having served six years in the Navy and the Army Reserve. His office acts as a time capsule of his law enforcement career.
“I love the people. And I think a lot of people love me. And, you know, it’s maybe a step in another direction that the Lord wants me to go,” he said.
Coleman is a Savannah native and has 30 years of law enforcement experience. He also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a master’s degree in public administration.
He has served in several leadership roles in other departments and campaigned on creating a safer community by empowering Chatham County’s youth.