1 Year Ago: Dacula Resident Named New Gwinnett Police Chief

Note: Posted Oct. 17, 2014

County Administrator Glenn Stephens has named A.A. “Butch” Ayers as Gwinnett’s new police chief effective Oct. 25.

Ayers, a 30-year veteran of the Police Department, will replace Charlie Walters, who is retiring after serving Gwinnett County for 35 years.

The Board of Commissioners will be asked to ratify Ayers’ contract on Tuesday.

Stephens said, “The Gwinnett County Police Department is an excellent example of the strong succession planning and leadership development that the County strives to cultivate and develop in all of its departments. Because of this planning and leadership development, the County is fortunate to have the ability to choose from seasoned leaders within the Police Department who will provide continuity and strong leadership skills within the department and the County.

“Like Charlie, Butch began his law enforcement career with the Gwinnett County Police Department and earned his way up through the ranks. He has gained valuable knowledge and honed his skills from having worked in nearly every area of the department over the years. Along with these assets, he is a person of character and I admire him greatly. Butch is the right person to lead the men and women of this vital department, and I have every confidence he will serve the residents of Gwinnett County well.”

Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “It’s hard to believe we are saying goodbye to Charlie after 11 years as chief. I will miss him, but I also know that Butch is a great choice to lead the department. He will be a valuable member of Glenn’s senior leadership team.”

Ayers’ career in public service began in 1984 when he joined the Gwinnett County Police Department as a police officer. As assistant chief, he most recently commanded the department’s administrative services division. He has also overseen professional standards, SWAT, the Central Police Precinct, and the support, operations, criminal investigations and uniform divisions.

A resident of Dacula, Ayers holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Gainesville State College, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and a Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University.

He is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College as well as the FBI National Academy and has logged more than 3,700 hours of specialized training during his career. He also holds several certifications from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council as an instructor.