NATCHEZ — Twenty-seven years might seem like a long time to work in a profession for some people, but for Deputy Randy Freeman, the years he’s spent in law enforcement seem to have flown by.

Now, after over a quarter of a century of on-the-job training in the areas of crime scene investigations, courtroom procedures, fire arms and jail security, to name a few, Freeman is campaigning to become the next Adams County Sheriff.

“I’ve pretty much covered it all. Any kind of crime you can think of, I’ve covered it,” Freeman said.

Freeman, 42, began his career at Angola Louisiana State Penitentiary after attending the Mississippi State Law Enforcement Academy.

This story is part of a series of stories featuring the eight candidates for Adams County Sheriff. The candidates will be featured in alphabetical order between Oct. 5-8.

While working two years in Angola’s jail, Freeman was promoted to sergeant and in 1984, Freeman began his career with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’ve always treated everyone the way I want to be treated, and that is with respect and fairness to all.”

Now serving as a senior criminal deputy for the sheriff’s office, Freeman said he hopes to be able to take over the position of sheriff and continue the work of his late friend, family member and boss Sheriff Ronnie Brown.

Alongside of the DARE and Neighborhood Watch programs, Freeman also has a few ideas of his own when it comes to giving back to the county.

“I love working with kids. That’s why I want to start up the junior deputies program,” Freeman said. “Hopefully, we can get some of these kids deterred off of drugs and crime by helping them get to know the deputies and learn about the effects that drugs cause.”

Freeman also said he wants to bring in more education and equipment for the county’s deputies and see a faster response time of calls made to the office.

While Freeman wasn’t able to attend last week’s sheriff’s forum, his reason for missing the event was one he said he hoped the citizens of Adams County would understand.

“I would like to apologize to the voters of Adams County for missing the forum, but I had a prior engagement.”

Freeman said he’s promised his son two years ago that he would be present at his divorce hearing, which happened to fall on the day of the forum.

“My family comes first,” Freeman said. “I hope the people of Adams County will understand.”