This week’s Hometown Public Servant is Major Nick Robertson with the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office.
Background of Major Robertson
A native of Emanuel County, Major Robertson is a graduate of Emanuel County Institute. Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the army and left the county, where he was stationed in other states within the country.
“When growing up, it was a youthful desire of mine to leave Twin City and live in a bigger city, preferably out of state. After experiences in Virginia, Kentucky and New York, I realized that Georgia is an awesome state, and since I was in Georgia, I should be close to family and contribute to the community I grew up in,” Major Robertson commented. “I have a passion for Emanuel County. One of the reasons I decided to live here is because I have seen what other places have to offer. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Since I am a person that is not shy to conflict, I really like to offer help to people who are in bad situations. Thus, I wanted to help where I live. There was no point for me to help build a better community somewhere else when my wife works here, my children went to school here, and I live and do my shopping in Emanuel County,” he further explained.
Careers from then to now
Following his military career, Major Robertson dabbled in the medical field before beginning his career as a law enforcement officer with the Twin City Police Department. After serving the City of Twin City, Robertson transferred to the Swainsboro Police Department and served the City of Swainsboro for almost three years before being hired at the local sheriff’s office.
In 2013, Robertson was hired with the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Department as a patrol deputy. He was later selected to work on the sheriff’s office traffic unit as a dual assignment the following year in 2014. Robertson was later appointed to the sheriff’s department’s investigations division in 2016, where he served until his recent rank as major, effective January 1, 2021.
“While I was in each division, I gained skill and knowledge that is valuable to the agency and public as I serve in this capacity,” Major Robertson stated regarding his recent appointment. “I carry the rank of major with the duties of managing multiple divisions under the sheriff’s direction.”
When speaking on the day-to-day job requirements of Major Robertson, the conversion can be a bit winded. But to sum it up, he serves as a liaison between the entire agency and the public as well as each division at the sheriff’s office. From providing a should to cry on to handling complaints and serving his agency, Major Robertson wears multiple hats and says he enjoys every bit of it!
“I love the ability to give whatever help and answers that are needed. Whether that is to the public or those that I manage. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them and answer one question that could change the outcome of their situation. Now, I’m proudly that person and am privileged to do so,” Major Robertson stated.
Fun fact from Major Robertson: “What some don’t know about me is that I attempted to join the Georgia State Patrol. I was not able to do so after not passing the psychological evaluation. My wife feels like it was a fair assessment. Though disappointing, I honestly believe this was one of those moments that God’s plan was hurtful at the moment but full of joy later.” – Major Robertson
Current roles and job requirement
In addition to being a spouse, father and deputy, Major Robertson is currently working to complete his master’s degree, with plans to graduate in 2021. He was appointed to his current position by Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffery Brewer – meaning that Sheriff Brewer believes Major Nick is the man for the job to serve as a competent deputy, able to push both the sheriff’s and the public’s vision for the agency in a progressive way.
“Sheriff Brewer believes in me, and I am not ashamed to say that I am that person,” Major Robertson included.
To stay current in training for his current job title, Major Robertson is in a circuit of chief deputies and command staff personnel within the state of Georgia who share information, training and accessibility to help one another, which Major Roberson says has been very beneficial to him. As far as requirements go, Major Robertson is expected to complete yearly training in order to maintain his current position on a regular, annual basis.
Thoughts to the community
Having the opportunity to address the local community from a personal standpoint, Major Robertson relays the following to the residents of which he serves in Emanuel County:
“I want to express to the community that I am proud of them. In large, we have a wonderful society of people. Yes, there are a few bad apples that we hear more about than the good. This does not represent the majority. I meet the majority every day, and I’m proud to serve them all. Furthermore, I encourage everyone to work with law enforcement to make this a better place for our family and friends. If there is something that seems questionable, please report it. Don’t feel like you shouldn’t report it or that someone else will report it. We heavily depend on the public’s help to detect and solve crime. Believe it or not, criminals count on your silence to avoid apprehension. And lastly, but of most importance, God loves you all and so do I.”
