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Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West recently welcomed a law enforcement veteran to staff at the John Hulett detention Facility in Hayneville. Tommy Levlle Buford, Sr. came onboard West’s team as a corrections officer with nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement.

“I started my career in Greenville with the police department,” Buford said. “I have been in corrections for about eight years.”

Buford explains that he came to Lowndes County looking for a change of pace. He was working as a sergeant in Greenville when he had a stroke on Aug. 16, 2020 while on duty.

“I worked my way back, and I wanted to come somewhere where I’m familiar.”

Having formerly served as police chief in Mosses, Buford said he knows Lowndes County well.

“I’m familiar with the area,” Buford reflected. “I’ve known Sheriff [West] a long time and I’ve known Chief [Reginald McKitt] a long time. I figured this would be a good fit for me.”

Buford is a “sworn” officer, fully certified for law enforcement with the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC). 

“We are privileged to have Mr. Buford on our staff,” West said. “His experience in correction and as a peace officer is an asset to our team.”

His long career in law enforcement and commitment to excellence has created a legacy, paying it forward to future generations of officers.

“I have three sons and a daughter,” Buford said. “Two of my children are in law enforcement. I am extremely proud of them.”