Bell announces 2024 run for SC Sheriff

Although qualifying for the 2024 election cycle is still several months away, Stephens County Commissioner Dennis Bell announced last week that he will not be running for re-election to the County Commission, but will, instead, be seeking election as Stephens County Sheriff.

In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, Bell stated, “After careful consideration and many prayers, my wife and I are pleased to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Stephens County. I will not be seeking re-election next year as your Post 3 Commissioner. I have thoroughly enjoyed my three terms serving the citizens of Stephens County, however, I feel strongly that I can best serve you as Sheriff.”

Bell sat down with WNEG News earlier this week to talk about his decision, and what his goals would be, if elected.  He said serving as sheriff has been a lifelong goal, but that it has been in the past 2 years that he has decided to move forward on that goal, prompted in large part with concerning issues he sees in the county.

He added that uniformity and equity in law enforcement is essential.

Bell says his experience in law enforcement, combined with his knowledge of Stephens County, is what sets him apart as a candidate.

He said strict enforcement of laws, especially regarding drugs and gangs, is vital to the county.

He talked about the duties of the sheriff’s office, and the variety of tasks that would need to be coordinated, and how important it is to surround yourself with the right people to get the job done.

Bell said he in now way would plan on a “cleaning house” effort when he stepped into the office if elected, but said that, in consideration of how important having experienced and knowledgeable people in the right positions, he did have several people in mind for key positions.

He also said that his first action, if elected, would be to bring in outside agencies to assist with the issues of drugs and gangs.

Bell pledged to run a clean, issue-based campaign focused on how he, as sheriff, could benefit the community. 

After graduating high school in 1985 Bell worked as a dispatcher and also a jailer for the Stephens County Sheriff’s office. He then entered the Police Academy, and upon graduation became a Stephens County Sheriff’s Deputy.

He then went to work for the Commerce Police Department, and the Arcade Georgia Police Department as Assistant Police Chief and later Chief. Bell served there for 11 years before going to Franklin Springs to serve as their Chief of Police

He later became Chief Investigator, and then Chief of Police in Comer, a position he still holds.

He has served as a Stephens County Commissioner since 2012.

Bell is also an Executive Board Member of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia.