Experience

Currently, Kris is employed by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and is assigned to the Traffic Unit as the supervisor and one of two H.E.A.T. Units. Before transferring to the Traffic Unit, he was the shift supervisor in the Uniform Patrol Division. Kris retired in good standing as a Detective Corporal from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office after a highly accomplished and recognized 18-year career. Prior to his Law Enforcement career, he served on active duty in the U.S. Army Stationed at Ft. Bragg N.C. for four years followed by five years in the Army National Guard.

 After a brief employment with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Kris took a position with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in 1998. Kris attended and graduated, with honors, from the Northeast Georgia Police Academy and upon graduation was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division. He worked almost every aspect of Law Enforcement, beginning in the detention center where he was quickly promoted to acting Sergeant prior to leaving for the academy. On his return and assignment to UPD, he gained the experience and knowledge to be a leader among his peers. As an FTO he trained new deputies in several areas of the Sheriff’s Office. He eventually transferred to the warrant/fugitive unit, followed by assignments in Court Services, Traffic Unit, DUI Task Force, Marine Patrol, again in UPD and retired as an accomplished Detective.

Kris has completed all levels of Supervision and Management, has a degree in Criminal Justice, is a P.O.S.T certified Field Training Officer, an IACP certified Drug Recognition Expert, a P.O.S.T. certified DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor, an instructor for the Recognition, Prevention, and Management of Excited Delirium and Sudden, In-Custody Deaths course, and a certified Hostage Negotiator. He currently has over 3200 hrs. of additional P.O.S.T. training (not including various firearms courses, tactical courses and training conferences attended) covering all aspects of Law Enforcement.

Assignments with The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

November 2017 - Present

Kris is currently assigned as a supervisor for the traffic unit and as one of two deputies assigned to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety HEAT unit. His duties included the apprehension of dangerous and impaired drivers, general traffic enforcement, training of officers from around the state in the Detection of Impaired Drivers and the Administration of The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, teaches 9th graders the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP), has been a speaker at conferences discussing drug/alcohol impairment related issues and conducts social media education regarding Driving Safety and Responsibility.

November 2016 – November 2017

Kris is assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division responsible for general Law Enforcement, Traffic Enforcement and the protection of life and property while focusing on impaired driving and interdiction. After being promoted to Corporal he was assigned as a shift supervisor.

Assignments with The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

February 2013-August 2015

Kris was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section working SVU/General/ White Collar/Narcotics crimes. During his tenure in criminal investigations Kris investigated several major criminal organizations that spanned multiple jurisdictions and resulted in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of dozens of individuals. Kris spent several months investigating several organized criminal organizations and was successful in his apprehension, prosecution and conviction along with seizures of property and currency. Kris also was responsible for several large drug seizures, the recovery and return of stolen property, and was instrumental in creating and instituting the county pawn ordinance and implementation of a pawn database for use by investigators.

September 2011-February 2013

Kris was assigned to the Court Services Division where he was responsible for the supervision of court security staff, court security and the training of newly assigned deputies to the courthouse. Kris helped to implement security policies, trained SWAT and other officers on responding to courthouse incidents, and routinely trained courthouse deputies in the detection of contraband and explosive devices.

September 2009 – September 2011

Kris was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division responsible for general Law Enforcement, Traffic Enforcement and the protection of life and property while continuing a focus on impaired driving.

June 2007-September 2009

Kris was assigned to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office DUI Task Force in June of 2007. His duties included the apprehension of dangerous and impaired drivers, general traffic enforcement, training of officers from around the state in the Detection of Impaired Drivers and the Administration of The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, a P.R.I.D.E instructor, and conducted Power Point presentations to various schools, civic groups, and citizens within the county on Driving Safety and Responsibility. He was also assigned to the Marine Unit patrolling Lake Sydney Lanier by boat and personal watercraft. As part of the Marine unit he was required to pass the U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer test, learn boating laws and regulations, enforce specific laws and regulations related to the operation of watercraft, assist various state and federal agencies and assist in the recovery of evidence and/or victims. While assigned to the Marine Unit he made numerous arrests and assisted in the rescue of stranded swimmers, boaters, and the recovery of several drowning victims. 

September 2006-June 2007

Kris was assigned to the Court Services Division where he was responsible for the supervision of court security staff, court security and the training of newly assigned deputies to the courthouse. Kris helped to implement security policies, trained SWAT and other officers on responding to courthouse incidents, and routinely trained courthouse deputies in the detection of contraband and explosive devices.

February 2005-September 2006

Kris was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division. During this time, he was promoted to Corporal. Kris, along with a team of outstanding deputies, was responsible for the investigation and arrest of wanted fugitives. His work involved both uniform and plain clothes duties and the development of informants. He worked with local, state, and federal agencies along with international law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending fugitives from across the country. He, and the unit, routinely assisted the Narcotics unit with search warrants and undercover operations including buy/busts and surveillance. While assigned to the unit he was involved in a “line of duty” shooting. As a result of his actions he was awarded the departments Medal of Valor.

September 1999-February 2005

Kris was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division after graduating with honors from the Northeast Georgia Police Academy. His duties were general law enforcement, traffic enforcement and protecting the citizens of Forsyth County. It was during this time that he began to focus his training on impaired drivers. He attended the DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course and then the Drugs that Impair Driving course. He made numerous DUI arrests during his time with the Uniform Patrol division which fueled his passion for getting impaired drivers off the street.  He was also assigned as a member of SWAT after completing a rigorous assessment where his duties included perimeter security, scout/surveillance, and entry team. As a member of the SWAT team Kris was involved in numerous operations including High Risk Warrant entries, Narcotic search warrants, Security for Civil Rights Demonstrations and vehicle takedowns.

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February 1998-September 1999

Kris was assigned to the Forsyth County Detention center where he was promoted to the rank of  Sgt. in charge of running daily operations of the detention center.

June 1992-April 2000

Kris entered his military service career on June 11, 1992. After completing basic training with A Co., 2nd Batt., 39th Infantry Regiment at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, he attended Advance Individual Training at Ft. Gordon, Ga. Kris Received the honor of being named Soldier of the week for Ft. Gordon and later graduated at the top of his class with Honors from the 31L Wire Systems Installer School. Initially trained as a wire systems specialist at Ft. Gordon Ga.in 1992, Kris Graduated at the top of his class and was assigned to the 2nd MMC, 1st COSCOM, 18th Airborne Corp. His leadership ability and intelligence in the field of Communications kept him ahead of his peers and he was often selected for specialized deployments and assignments. Kris was assigned to a team of computer operators and programmers to help maintain the Harris Night Hawk computer mainframe, a system that was responsible for processing tens of billions of dollars in logistical supplies for the 82nd, 101st, 10th Mtn, and 24th Inf. Div. Kris worked as a computer operator and programmer. He was also part of the team that designed and developed the first jump capable computer system. While assigned to 2nd MMC, Kris had the opportunity to compete in the Soldier of the Year competition. He won at the unit level, Division Level and Command Level being named soldier of the year for 1ST COSCOM and then was named Runner up for Ft. Bragg.

Kris was reassigned to the 5th Batt., 8th Field Artillery Regiment (Air Assault). As a member of Head Quarters Battery, he attended the Air Assault school, Recondo and the Ranger Introduction Program while assigned to the 5th/8th FAR.

Kris was deployed on 3 occasions to various austere environments

After completing his active duty obligation in February 1995, Kris was assigned to a National Guard unit in Highpoint, North Carolina. While a member of the Field Artillery Regiment Kris was assigned to the Paladin 155mm self-propelled Howitzer and later assigned as ammo crew chief. Kris, with little knowledge and a short amount of training, was given the responsibility of being a part of a gun crew. On his own initiative he studied manuals and learned how to operate every aspect of the 155mm self-propelled Howitzer. Later, when assigned as ammo crew chief, he again took on the challenge of studying the various types of projectiles, fuses, and powder charges he would be responsible for as well as the M113 personnel carrier. Kris was Honorably Discharged from the North Carolina National Guard in 1996 in order to transfer to the Georgia Army National Guard.

Kris moved back to Georgia and transferred to C Co. 1/121st Infantry Regiment. He was assigned as a M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) Crew member. Kris completed his military career and was Honorably discharged from the National Guard in 2000.

SUMMARY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE

November 2017-Present                     Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Traffic Supervisor/ HEAT unit

November 2016-November 2017       Habersham County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Uniform Patrol

February 2013-August 2015               Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Criminal Investigations

September 2011-February 2013         Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Court Services Division

September 2009-September 2011      Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

Uniform Patrol Division        

June 2007-September 2009                Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            DUI TASK FORCE

                                                            MARINE UNIT

September 2006- June 2007               Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Court Services Division

February 2005-September2006          Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Warrant/Fugitive Division

September 1999-February 2005         Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Uniform Patrol Division

                                                            S.W.A.T. Team (2001-2004)

February 1998-September 1999         Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

                                                            Detention Division

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Kris has over 3200 hours of additional and specialized training. He holds certifications as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), a DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor, A.R.I.D.E. Instructor, Field Training Officer, Speed Detection Device Operator, and an Instructor for The Prevention of Sudden In-Custody Deaths Syndrome course. Kris stays current with various tactical, medical, traffic safety/impaired driver, and mandated training in order to maintain a high level of efficiency. He regularly attends the monthly Northeast Traffic Enforcement Network meetings.

Kris Has received training and education from Columbia Southern University where he holds a degree in Criminal Justice, The University of California-Sacramento, The University of North Florida, The Institute of Police Technology and Management, Fayetteville Tech, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy, Northeast Georgia Police Academy, Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association.

Since beginning his Law Enforcement career, he has made several thousand arrests, over 1400 of those arrests were for DUI/BUI, and he assisted on countless others. He has been involved in multiple high-stress incidents ranging from the assault on the Forsyth County Courthouse in June of 2014, to hand to hand engagements with suspects, foot pursuits, line of duty shootings, high speed chases, and critical SWAT operations. When other officers need answers, they come to him for guidance and advice.

Kris has trained, qualified, and is experienced with many types of weapon platforms and tactical situations. He has been assigned to protective services for dignitaries such as Governor Nathan Deal and his wife as well as civil demonstrations and VIP escorts. Kris participated in high risk entries during narcotic searches and warrant services, vehicle takedowns, and raids. His combination of military and law enforcement experiences has given him the knowledge and skill to handle all types of situations and critical incidents.

He has attended advanced level training to include Vehicle ambush/Counter ambush (day and night courses), Injured Shooter, Combat Casualty Care, Sniper School, Hostage Negotiations, many carbine and handgun manipulation courses, and routinely trains to stay current.

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INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCE

2020

HABERSHAM 9TH GRADE ACADEMY ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM

DRIVERS EDUCATION -HABERSHAM COUNTY 9TH GRADE ACADEMY

2019

DUI DETECTION and STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING (BALDWIN PD and DAWSON COUNTY SO)

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS– RECOGNIZNG DRUG IMPAIRMENT

HABERSHAM 9TH GRADE ACADEMY ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM (226 STUDENTS)

2018

ALCOHOL and DRUG AWARENESS-HABERSHAM COUNTY 9TH GRADE ACADEMY (6 CLASSES)

DRIVERS EDUCATION -HABERSHAM COUNTY 9TH GRADE ACADEMY (6 CLASSES)

NORTH GEORGIA TECH-ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE- TRAFFIC SAFETY/LAW

2017

ALCOHOL and DRUG AWARENESS-HABERSHAM COUNTY 9TH GRADE ACADEMY (6 CLASSES)

DRIVERS EDUCATION -HABERSHAM COUNTY 9TH GRADE ACADEMY (6 CLASSES)

2012

DUI DETECTION AND STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING

ADVANCED ROADSIDE IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT.

IMPROVISED WEAPONS AND DEVICES

COURT SECURITY FOR SWAT PERSONNEL

2011

IMPAIRED DRIVING AND DRUG AWARENESS BRIEFINGS FOR DEPUTIES ASSIGNED TO NORTH PRECINCT

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE, A PARENTS GUIDE

2010

DUI DETECTION AND STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING

GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SPICE/K-2: INFORMATION AND INTRODUCTION BRIEFING

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2009

DUI DETECTION AND STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFFS’ OFFICE CITIZEN’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

FORSYTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL TEEN DRIVING SAFETY

FORSYTH COUNTY PARK AND REC, DRIVER’S EDUCATION

P.R.I.D.E.-FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2008

DUI DETECTION AND STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (FEB. AND AUGUST CLASSES)

DRUGS THAT IMPAIR DRIVING

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DRUGS THAT IMPAIR DRIVING

UNION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DUI DETECTION AND STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING

NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CITIZEN’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY (4 SESSIONS)

P.R.I.D.E. (2 SESSIONS)

NORTH FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL AND FORSYTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION OF CHRIS SANDY- GA INMATE

NORTH FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL GHOST OUT- THE DANGERS OF DRINKING AND DRIVING

2007

 FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CITIZEN’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2019

GA MADD IMPAIRED DRIVING AWARD (BLUE PIN)

GA MADD STATEWIDE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

GEORGIA GOVERNOR’S CHALLENGE 2ND PLACE-CATEGORY 4 (AUTHORED APPLICATION)

2018

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

DEPUTY OF YEAR-HABERSHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2017

GA MADD DRE ACHIEVEMENT PIN

2015

GA MADD DRE ACHIEVEMENT PIN

RETIREMENT SERVICE AWARD

2014

GA MADD DRE ACHIEVEMENT PIN

2013

LETTER OF COMMENDATION

2011

NOMINATED FOR DEPUTY OF THE MONTH (JAN)

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH (FEB)

LETTER OF COMMENDATION

COMMENDATION AWARD

2010

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

NOMINATED FOR DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

NAMED TO THE “WHO’S WHO OF AMERICAN PROFESSIONALS” LIST

2009

GA MADD AWARD (RED PIN 150+DUI’S)

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

NOMINATED FOR DEPUTY OF THE YEAR-MADD

NOMINATED FOR GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-MADD

LED THE DEPARTMENT IN IMPAIRED DRIVING ARRESTS

LED THE DEPARTMENT IN SPEED ENFORCEMENT

2008

GA MADD AWARD (RED PIN 150+ DUI’S)

MEDAL OF VALOR-FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

#5 IN THE STATE FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT

LED THE DEPARTMENT IN IMPAIRED DRIVING ARRESTS

LED THE DEPARTMENT IN SPEED ENFORCEMENT

2007

GA MADD AWARD (BLUE PIN 100+ DUI’S)

SHERIFF’S COMMENDATION AWARD- FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

OUTSTANDING SPEED ENFORCEMENT AWARD

OUTSTANDING DUI ENFORCEMENT AWARD

NOMINATED FOR DEPUTY OF THE YEAR- MADD

COMMENDATION

LED THE DEPARTMENT IN IMPAIRED DRIVING ARRESTS

2006

COMMENDATION

MEDAL OF VALOR

2005

PROMOTED TO CORPORAL

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

COMMENDATION

2003

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

2001

DEPUTY OF THE MONTH

COMMENDATION

NUMEROUS OTHER LETTERS OF COMMENDATION AND MEMORANDUMS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM.

MILITARY AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2000- HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE GEORGIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

1996- HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE N.C. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

1995- HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE U.S. ARMY

ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, ARMY SERVICE RIBBON AND NATIONAL DEFENSE RIBBON. NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL. COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL.

GRADUATED 1ST IN CLASS FROM MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL 31 L

SOLDIER OF THE WEEK-FT GORDON

SOLDIER OF THE YEAR IN 1993- 1ST COSCOM

SOLDIER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP IN 1993-FORT BRAGG

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

GEORGIA TACTICAL OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL TACTICAL OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION

GEORGIA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION

IACP

IACP DRE SECTION MEMBER

ASSOCIATION OF THE US ARMY

METRO ATLANTA POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY AND HONOR GUARD

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS