Savannah Morning News: Deputy Kevin Burns explains why he wants the top job

Kevin was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He earned his associate's degree in Liberal Arts and his bachelor's of science in paralegal studies from St. John's University of Queens, New York. He previously volunteered as an afterschool program director for Lutheran Services of Georgia. Burns is a husband and father. He lives in Chatham County with his family.

Kevin was most recently an advanced deputy at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. He previously worked as a juvenile corrections officer at the Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center, a substitute teacher at DeRenne Middle School, and a special patrolman/peace officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 

Ballotpedia: Kevin Lavonn Burns

Kevin Burns' campaign for County Sheriff is his first run for political office.

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Plans to address the 200-officer shortage by improving compensation, creating pathways to professional development, building community trust, reshaping the hiring process, and developing retention incentives.

Promises to prioritize community policing training and encourage deputies to attend neighborhood meetings and local events.

Aims to increase crisis training for police officers, including in de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and mental health awareness.

Prioritizes reducing fentanyl use in Chatham County.

Supports prioritizing other crime prevention over prosecuting and jailing non-violent marijuana use.

- Plans to address the 200-officer shortage by improving compensation, creating pathways to professional development, building community trust, reshaping the hiring process, and developing retention incentives.
- Promises to prioritize community policing training and encourage deputies to attend neighborhood meetings and local events.
- Aims to increase crisis training for police officers, including in de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and mental health awareness.
- Prioritizes reducing fentanyl use in Chatham County.
- Supports prioritizing other crime prevention over prosecuting and jailing non-violent marijuana use.

Public Safety

Wants to raise wages and provide subsidized housing and childcare to jail staff.

Plans to audit the county jail to reduce instances of violence and gross misconduct.

- Wants to raise wages and provide subsidized housing and childcare to jail staff.
- Plans to audit the county jail to reduce instances of violence and gross misconduct.

Jail Management

Plans to appoint a team to handle and reform mental health policies.

- Plans to appoint a team to handle and reform mental health policies.

Criminal Justice

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Kevin Lavonn Burns

As of May 3, 2024, Richard Stuart Coleman did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Savannah Morning News: Longtime police officer Richard Coleman

Richard Stuart Coleman has 22 years of experience as a police officer. Richard previously worked at the Thunderbolt Police Department as police detective, sergeant, captain, and then interim police chief. He later worked for the Stillmore Police Department as an assistant police chief. He additionally has experience as chief of internal affairs, captain of criminal investigations, and chief of police.

Ballotpedia: Richard Stuart Coleman

Richard Stuart Coleman's campaign for county sheriff is his first entry into politics. 

Said, "Crime and safety is just a big issue that we're facing in this country. People are losing their lives, and somebody's got to step up and take the burden of responsibility. And that's me."

Promises to expand the police department and to deputize all law enforcement personnel.

- Said, "Crime and safety is just a big issue that we're facing in this country. People are losing their lives, and somebody's got to step up and take the burden of responsibility. And that's me."
- Promises to expand the police department and to deputize all law enforcement personnel.

As of June 23, 2025, Richard Stuart Coleman did not have a website or any information online.

Richard Stuart Coleman

The County Sheriff is an elected official who acts as the chief law enforcement officer in their county. They are tasked with operating the county jails, keeping courtrooms secure during trials, and keeping the public safe through proper law enforcement. Each Sheriff's Office in Georgia may look a little different in how they hire and run their teams, but all County Sheriffs have the same duties. These duties include the following:

- Operating the county jail
- Providing court security
- Serving civil papers
- Executing arrest warrants
- Providing primary law enforcement within unincorporated areas of the county
- Working with city law enforcement officers to keep municipalities safe

The County Sheriff and their office are unique to other law enforcement agencies in that it has to answer to the people it serves. Historically, a turnover in the Sheriff’s office will likely result in noticeable change within the office, so voting for this office is a very effective way to vote approval or disapproval for how county law enforcement is conducted.

Chatham County Sheriff, Democratic Primary

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