Ware County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sgt. James Kenneth Cox III was awarded the 2025 Public Safety Officer of the Year representing the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, an accolade presented by the Waycross Exchange Club.
The event was held Thursday, February 27 at the Exchange Club’s meeting hall.
Sheriff Carl James praised Cox’s exceptional career and a standout investigation that dismantled a major drug trafficking ring in Georgia in his nomination letter.
Cox, a Ware County native, began his law enforcement journey in 2008 as a Correctional Officer at D. Ray James Prison in Folkston, later transitioning to Ware State Prison and then to the Ware County Jail as a Detention Officer.
After graduating from the Regional Police Academy in Savannah in March 2012, Cox joined the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in the Patrol Division. His proactive approach quickly earned him a role as a K-9 handler, and by April 2015, he was promoted to Detective in the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), specializing in narcotics investigations.
Cox briefly served with the Blackshear Police Department and the Ware County Schools Police before returning to the Sheriff’s Office in September 2022 to lead the DEU as Detective Sergeant. Since then, he has solidified his reputation as the “go-to narcotics detective,” making significant strides in combating drug-related crime.
The cornerstone of Cox’s nomination is a months-long investigation he spearheaded, alongside Det. LeeVon Payne, which culminated in the indictment of seven suspects on charges including racketeering, drug trafficking, conspiracy, and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
The operation targeted a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of illicit drugs across Georgia, with Ware and Pierce Counties identified as primary hubs. The investigation led to the arrest of over 20 additional suspects, the seizure of 10 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of marijuana, fentanyl, oxycodone, crack cocaine and $10,000 in cash. Authorities also traced the drug source, resulting in their arrest.
“James has an uncanny ability to ferret out drug offenders,” Sheriff James wrote, highlighting Cox’s relentless dedication to his duties. “His casework speaks volumes about his professionalism and commitment.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Cox is described as a devoted family man. He resides in Ware County with his wife, Lindsay, and their four children, Rinzi Grant (13), Waylon Cox (10), Maddox Cox (9) and Avie Cox (7). In his off-duty hours, Cox cherishes time spent with his family.
Sheriff James concluded his nomination with pride, “It is my distinct pleasure to nominate Detective Sergeant James Kenneth Cox III as the Public Safety Officer of the Year for 2025. His dedication to duty is a credit to himself, his family, and the Ware County Sheriff’s Office.”
