The FCSO had our end of the year meeting recently to reflect on year 2024. It was one of the best years yet as far as lowering crime and criminal activity since I’ve been Sheriff, and our employees deserve all the credit for their hard work and dedication to our office and our county citizens. I’m very grateful for each and every employee of FCSO and I’m blessed to be able to work with them for the benefit of our county.

Each year we recognize and acknowledge individuals who went above and beyond their normal call of duties and/or contributed in a significant way during the year or consistently over time. This year it was our honor to recognize Officer Billy Shelton and Sergeant Mike Darby.

Ofc. Billy Shelton was awarded FCSO EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR. He is an outstanding employee who is assigned to our Jail Facility. Ofc. Shelton’s duties encompass inmate safety and security and well-being, facility security, and transport. He’s always willing to assist in any way, willingly comes in on days off if our jail is shorthanded and is truly committed to carrying out his duties and handling things the right way. Our county is lucky to employee such an outstanding worker that can be counted on day in day out.

Sgt. Mike Darby was awarded FCSO DEPUTY OF THE YEAR. Sgt. Darby is a very experienced and tenured Deputy with our office who is counted on for knowledge and leadership. Known as one of our “nicest” and most “polite” Deputies, we continually get positive feedback from individuals that have interacted with Sgt. Darby whether he was helping them with an issue or met him during a traffic stop. There’s been over a handful of individuals that even made sure we knew Darby was a good Deputy even after their arrest. Sgt. Darby believes in doing things the right way, through the letter of the law, and truly cares about helping and protecting the citizens of Freestone County. Our office and our county citizens are blessed to have someone of Sgt. Darby’s caliber as part of our team.

Folks, you have a great group of people who work at the FCSO and reside in our communities. Whether they are Dispatchers, Administrators, Jailers, Court House Security, Criminal Investigators, or Deputies, they serve you with their heart and soul. If you know them, take time to show them some love and appreciation.

–Sheriff J. Shipley