Lt. Gerrells retires after four decades of protecting citizens

‘I believe law enforcement is a calling directly from God.’

  • Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Lt. Mark Gerrells retired from the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 15 after serving in law enforcement for four decades. Gerrells was the training director for the department.
    Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Lt. Mark Gerrells retired from the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 15 after serving in law enforcement for four decades. Gerrells was the training director for the department.
  • File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. During his career, Lt. Mark Gerrells instructed school resource deputies and other officers in active shooter drills at Rabun County Schools.
    File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. During his career, Lt. Mark Gerrells instructed school resource deputies and other officers in active shooter drills at Rabun County Schools.
  • File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Gerrells also instructed many courses for the community including self-defense tactics for women.
    File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Gerrells also instructed many courses for the community including self-defense tactics for women.
  • File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Lt. Mark Gerrells instructed many ladies’ firearm courses of various skill levels during his time as training director at the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office.
    File photo/Megan Horn/The Clayton Tribune. Lt. Mark Gerrells instructed many ladies’ firearm courses of various skill levels during his time as training director at the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office.

    Law enforcement officers are called to protect and serve their communities in many capacities. With a career spanning four decades, Lt. Mark Gerrells went above and beyond to show care and dedication …