photo by Mitch Talley
Going above and beyond seems to be the norm for Deputy Tommy Lee Spurlock of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office.
For example, he was off duty, on his way home after working a detail, when he noticed a vehicle matching a description of an armed robbery suspect. His investigation determined that it was the same person who still had on the same clothes worn during the robbery.
Another time, Dep. Spurlock was working the security detail at Miracle Field. They were short volunteers, and he was the first to respond to help the special needs child to safely run the bases. His attitude and helpfulness were appreciated by the staff.
For those acts and others, Dep. Spurlock has been named Whitfield County Employee of the Month for April.
“Tommy works diligently weekly to perform at his highest and is always willing to step in and work extra details to make sure that we have coverage where needed,” his nomination form says.
To let Whitfield County residents learn more about him, Det. Spurlock took a few moments to fill out the following fun questionnaire.
Name: Tommy Lee Spurlock
Job title: Deputy Sheriff, Pace Unit
Time with the county: 4 years
Where I went to high school: Murray County
My role as a county employee: To serve and protect the public
What keeps my job interesting: The Bad Guys
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Finding a real criminal and getting them off the streets
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: Caught an armed robber
Where I grew up: Across the river (Murray County)
Family: Wife - Annie Spurlock, son - Connor Spurlock
After work, I enjoy: Spending time with my family.
Community activities: Attending church at Salem Baptist Church, Miracle League
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds, UFC
Favorite sport/sport team: Football / Georgia
Favorite meal: Breakfast (Bojangles)
Favorite song: Background by Lacrae
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Schlotzsky's
Favorite Whitfield County event: Miracle League
You can pick four people to have dinner with (anyone from any time in history) – who are your four people and why? Clint Eastwood, Adam Sandler, Jack Black and Bruce Lee. Because it would make my day and be very funny. And I could learn some kung fu fighting.
I’m most proud of: Becoming a police officer.
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Cake or pie? Pie
Favorite car? 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
Host or be hosted? Host
Early riser or sleep-in: Sleep-in
Favorite vacation ever: Trip to Arizona
Best teacher you ever had: Ms. Thornbury
Pet peeve: Laziness
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: If you are going to do something, do it right the first time.
Who has had the most impact on my life: My Mom
What’s left on my bucket list: Everything
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been a: Race car driver
If I could have two wishes, they would be: To have a Time Machine and the Fountain of Youth.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Am the youngest of seven in my family.
The best advice you ever got: A happy wife is a happy life.
Anything else you’d like to say: Thank you to all of my co-workers for always having my back.