Dahlonega is in need of a new head of the City Marshal’s Office.
After approximately four years on the job, Chief Jeff Branyon officially submitted his resignation on Friday, June 24.
Branyon played an integral role in the law enforcement department as he was the first chief since its reactivation in 2017.
He is leaving Dahlonega for Baldwin where he is expected to take the job of Chief of Police.
In the interim, Mayor Sam Norton said he hopes to hire a consultant to review and ensure that “the procedures are correct” concerning the operation of the Marshals.
The city has 60 days to name an interim chief, and City Manager Bill Schmid said he’s confident that the city will soon find a suitable replacement.
“Dahlonega is a very attractive community, and well equipped. I’m sure we will have no trouble finding a suitable replacement,” he said.
Norton acknowledged that while Dahlonega will miss Branyon, he understands the decision to leave.
“There’s always a pull towards more opportunity, he said.
Norton also added that the City won’t rush the hiring process.
“The city is in no hurry,” he said. “The Marshals are a supplement to the City...so we will move slowly and make sure we have a good hire.”
Until an interim or permanent installment is announced, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office is picking up the extra slack, according to Sheriff Stacy Jarrard.
“We aren’t affiliated with the Marshals...but we are helping out where we can,” Jarrard said.
The position was created in the 1830s and has been held by several officers, including Jarrard who was the last to hold the position, prior to Branyon. The department went on hiatus soon after Jarrard was initially elected sheriff in 2008.
When operating at full staff, there are five employees in the Marshals Office: The Chief, two full time marshals, one part time marshal, and one part time parking official.
