My name is Rick Lang, and I am the Sheriff of Stephens County. I am a Chistian and lifelong resident of Stephens County. I am married to Debbie Lang, and we have three children, John, Joe, and Season and five grandchildren. I was elected as Sheriff of Stephens County on June 18, 2024, and was appointed to serve the remaining term of the retiring Sheriff on July 1, 2024.
We passed our first 100 days mark last week. One of the most common questions during the campaign was “what will you do during the first 100 days?”
First, I put into place one of the finest command staff I have ever worked with. Undersheriff Matt Brown has stepped into the role with great enthusiasm and proven he has the skills of a true leader.
Carla Riley continues to lead our office staff, protect and shape our budget and manage too many functions to list.
Tim Vann, one of the most skilled and diligent investigators in the country, has taken over the captain’s office. All Patrol and Jail Staff report to Captain Vann as he continues to lead investigations.
Our patrol will be fully staffed with the addition of a new deputy coming on the payroll soon. We are still hiring detention officers.
Our new building is probably our biggest news and a turning point in the future of Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. It has given us a place of business the citizens of Stephens County can be proud of. Many thanks to the County Commissioners and the people of Stephens County for making this happen.
We applied for and received the Sheriff’s Assistance grant in the sum of $250,000 dollars. Since this grant cannot be used for payroll the funds will go toward the acquisition of new equipment to include vehicles and laptops.
We have installed new body scanning equipment to simplify the search process for new inmates and help keep our Detention officers as well as the inmates safe.
We have also fitted our Deputies with new body armor that we believe will be easier for them to wear.
We have two new Deputies who will graduate from basic training at the end of this month and two of our Deputies are currently being trained as Defensive Tactics Instructors. To say this training is rigorous would be a gross understatement.
We will continue to strive to make the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office the best and most efficient we can.
Rick Lang, Stephens County Sheriff