Chief Deputy Ray Merritt of the Tift County Sheriff’s Office serves with distinction as second in command, faithfully carrying out the responsibilities of the Sheriff in his absence and working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of his community. A graduate of GILEE 2024, he has demonstrated both professional excellence and a deep commitment to service. Following the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Chief Deputy Merritt made a generous personal donation to the family of an Israeli police chief who was killed in the line of duty. His act of compassion and solidarity reflected not only empathy, but also a profound sense of shared humanity and support for those who risk their lives in service to others. Thank you, Chief Deputy Merritt for your moral courage, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to community and service.
