Sheppard Picks Up Endorsement in Race for Coroner
News June 29, 2016DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Jim Sheppard’s campaign for Lumpkin County Coroner got a major boost recently when former opponent Diane Kimmel endorsed him for the important position.
“I’m grateful to have her support in the runoff,” Sheppard said. “I value her wisdom and integrity so her support means a lot to me personally,” Sheppard said.
Sheppard is a veteran law enforcement officer who will retire after 28 years of service to the DeKalb County Police Department at the end of this year. Sheppard is experienced in handling felony investigations and multi-million dollar budgets.
“Not all of the coroner’s work involves criminal cases, but some do and when they do, I have a lot of experience in that area,” Sheppard said.
Sheppard said he would also like to look into grants that are available to coroner’s offices like the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program that helps to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog. Units of local government may apply for competitive funds.
Sheppard and his wife give back to the Lumpkin County community through their ownership of Waters Mill, a wedding and event facility they use to host fundraisers for non-profit organizations. In fact, Sheppard has said if he is elected, he will donate his first year’s salary to Jeremiah’s Place, a group of living facilities for families and single women who are temporarily homeless, Rainbow Children’s Home, a facility that exists to provide hope, security and opportunity to girls between 12 and 18 who are victims of abuse and/or neglect and No One Alone, for victims of domestic violence.
Sheppard will face Amanda Jones in the July 26 runoff election.
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