It’s official. Jeff Branyon has turned over the reins of his office as Baldwin police chief to Habersham County native, Chris Jones. At the Baldwin City Council work session on Tuesday, Mayor Joe Elam swore Jones into office. He becomes the sixth chief (and fifth person) to hold the job in 27 months.
Chief Jones has more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including his time with the Georgia State Patrol. He’s been with the Baldwin Police Department for just over a year. Baldwin hired Jones at the same time as Branyon. They were both working for the City Marshal’s Office in Dahlonega at the time. Baldwin PD released a statement saying Jones’ leadership abilities “have already been proven as he has helped drive Baldwin Police Department’s transformation and supervised day-to-day operations under Chief Jeff Branyon.”
While introducing his successor Tuesday night, Branyon shared why he thinks Jones is the right person for the job.
“He has great experience, he’s a former state trooper, his knowledge is tremendous,” he said. “Why he’s going to be a great chief is because of his character.”
“I have all of the confidence in the world in Chris Jones,” Branyon added.
Mayor Elam administered the oath of office and oath of honor to Jones during the swearing-in ceremony. Chief Jones’ wife, April, pinned the chief rank insignia on his collars.
The occasion marked the sixth time Baldwin has changed police chiefs since Charles Webb resigned in May of 2020. Those who have held the office and their length of service are listed below:
Matt Nall: Interim Chief May 2020-August 2020 – not promoted
William Anastasio: Chief August 2020-September 2020- resigned
Matt Nall: Interim Chief September 2020-May 2021- resigned
Jerry Saulter: Interim Chief May 2021-August 2021-(consultant)
Jeff Branyon: Chief August 2021-September 2022 -resigned
Chris Jones: Current
Branyon tendered his resignation last June, less than a year into the job. He accepted an instructor’s position at Truett-McConnell University’s Police Academy where he is also the university’s head cycling coach. The former chief will remain with Baldwin PD on a part-time basis.
