Eleven local third graders got the chance to see what it was like to be sheriff for a day on Tuesday with Sgt. Stewart Smith serving as their guide.

The Sheriff for a Day event marks the conclusion of the Junior Deputy Program, which is taught by Smith at all 11 Troup County elementary schools. One student from each school was picked by their teachers to spend the day with Sheriff James Woodruff and his staff. 

“[I enjoy] getting to meet the kids and hearing what they’ve learned throughout the year to show that they are really retaining what we are trying to teach them about being safe at home and being safe at school and respecting their parents and respecting their teachers, gun safety and bicycle safety,” Woodruff said.

Students got to see a K9 demonstration, visit E911 and tour both the Troup County Jail and the Troup County Government Center.