Alfonza "Al" Hagan formally announced his candidacy Saturday to become Bryan County Sheriff in 2020, replacing longtime sheriff Clyde Smith, who is expected to retire.

Approximately 100 people came out to Hendrix Park on a hot and humid morning to show their support for the Pembroke resident whose career in law enforcement spanned decades.

Hagan is retired from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and was previously a chief investigator for the Bryan County Sheriff's Office, and a patrolman with the Pembroke Police Department. He is owner of Central Georgia Polygraph.

Hagan said, if elected, he will maintain a "well-trained" law enforcement agency that is open and transparent, one that can be a "bridge-builder" in the county.  

Brian Childress, who retired last year as chief of the Valdosta Police Department, spoke on behalf of Hagan, calling him a "community-oriented cop who represents everybody of every race."

 Hagan, a Democrat, joins at least three others seeking the sheriff title who have officially announced:

* Mike Fordham, of Richmond Hill, a detective with the Bryan County Sheriff's Office.

* Mark Crowe, former Pembroke police chief.

* Mike Maxwell, of Richmond Hill, a deputy with the Bryan County Sheriff's Office.