Robertson retires from MCSO after more than 30 years of service

After more than 30 years of service, Randy Robertson has retired from the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.

Even before his last day with the agency on Saturday, Robertson said the thought of parting from the career he believed was his calling from God brought about mixed emotions. He said it’s going to be tough adjusting to life after retirement.

“It’s exciting and scary at the same time, because that’s all I’ve known for 30 years, since I was 22,” said Robertson, who most recently served as the agency’s administrative bureau commander. “That’s the toughest thing right now — trying to balance the excitement and the fear.”

Robertson said he didn’t always aspire to join law enforcement. But after a conversation in 1985 with then-Muscogee County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Spivey, Robertson was steered toward that career.

“I have thanked him on more than one occasion for striking up that conversation,” Robertson said. “He did it with several people who turned out to be really good deputies. If it wasn’t for Ray and what I truly believe is a calling from God, I wouldn’t have ever went to work for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Throughout his career, Robertson has served as the director of the local Homeland Security and as assistant special agent in charge of a narcotics taskforce that conducted investigations in west Georgia and east Alabama. He has also earned 10 certifications.

Over the years, Robertson’s growing love for law enforcement drove him to be one of its strongest advocates. He has contributed to the National Institute of Ethics; Leadership Columbus; Fraternal Order of Police; International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; Board of Directors for Columbus Crime Stoppers; and National Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

He also implemented numerous programs. One of his well-known projects is the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, which allows residents to experience and gain knowledge of all accepts of law enforcement responsibilities within the community.

As the vice president of the Georgia State Fraternal Order of Police, Robertson said he will continue to be the voice for the sworn officers who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.

“I think the men and women of law enforcement need their message carried out more so now than ever before,” said Robertson, who also serves as the president of the Columbus group. “I think the public needs to understand exactly what the job is and what it entails.”

Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr said Robertson’s determination is undeniable, because he has seen him go above and beyond his job to protect Muscogee County residents. Robertson has dedicated plenty of time on and off the clock to staying educated about law enforcement.

“We have a lot of good people in the sheriff’s office, but it’s still going to be kind of tough matching all of the skill sets he brings,” Darr said. “But just like any other organization, you’ve always got to replace somebody. We’re going to do the best we can, and we wish him the best.”

— Sarah is a crime and safety reporter at The Ledger-Enquirer. You can contact her on Twitter at @SarahR_92.

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 7:01 PM with the headline "Robertson retires from MCSO after more than 30 years of service ."