Garrison said Friday he regrets the decision he made when he was 21 years old and that the photos were of a costume that was intended to be a spoof on a character from the movie “Blazing Saddles,” a popular motion picture at the time.
“This is by no means a reflection upon my career… or personal beliefs,” Garrison said. “It was a simple, childish Halloween costume party — nothing more, nothing less.”
He said the move feels like a political attack from his opposition, David Waters, a commander with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
“It appears Mr. Waters has sent those photos to the Atlanta media and asked for stories,” Garrison said. “I’m deeply appalled he would stoop to this level (and) that he chooses not to stick to the issues.”
Garrison said he found it especially appalling Waters was trying to make a moral judgment when his challenger has been married five times.
“(He) is not one to be throwing stones at other people,” Garrison said. “It’s clearly an act of desperation on his part and I believe that the voters will respond accordingly. They’re sick of that type of campaigning.”
Garrison said Cherokee County voters know the honor and integrity he has continued to display throughout his 20 years as sheriff.
“It’s just the lowest of the low to try to imply something of that nature from a costume makeup party (that happened) 30 years ago. (Waters) has much greater character issues he needs to explain with his five marriages and lack of commitment,” Garrison said.
In the end, Garrison said he can’t help but take it personally, calling it a “clear, shining example” of Waters’ character.
“I’m thick-skinned, but stuff like this hurts my wife and my son and my parents, that’s what bothers me about it,” Garrison said. “To have family see those things that he puts out and he is attempting to imply, that hurts them and that hurts me.”
Garrison said he did not know who published the photograph.
In the television news report, Waters denied providing the metro media outlet with a copy of the photograph though admitted to seeing the photo in June of last year.
Several attempts to reach Waters were not returned by press time.
Where did you get the costume?
That is not some pillow cover and sheet pulled from momma's closet. It looks like the real deal KKK uniform. All he needed was a burning cross to be completely authentic.
http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2012/06/georgia-sheriff-up-for-re-elections-suddenly-has-photos-of-him-in-kkk-costume-leaked/
When you refer to David as a "dog catcher" just remember what Roger was doing before he was a sheriff, and remember how much experience he had with all the procedures of running a sheriff's department. If you compare Roger's "before Sheriff" experience to David's "before Sheriff" experience, I'd say David DEFINATELY has the upper hand!
I don't think there is a person out there that can honestly say they didn't make a mistake or do something silly when they were 21 years old.
Waters can't win on the issues or the experience and certainly not the integrity so he does what comes natural to him being down in the gutter. Sheriff Garrison has more integrity in his little pinkie than Waters has in his whole body.
I bet he does.
His website pegs him as 49, or 28 years older than when he did this. It *also says he has been in law enforcement 30 years. Somebody correct my arithmetic if it needs it, but when I count on my fingers and do some ciphering, I keep getting that he had already BEEN in law enforcement two years when he did this. A GEORGIA lawman didn't think a KKK outfit might, just might, deeply offend some -- including other whites? Really? REALLY???
WHOA! Stop the Press! Flash headline! "Ten Minutes Ago His Website Said he's 49 Years Old! -- but NOW Says he's 52!"
How CONVENIENT! That means the "prank" happened a year BEFORE he became a lawman! Lawdy me -- do wonders never cease!
http://www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/
I sure do wish I had taken a screen shot of the page the FIRST time I checked it. Damn.
"I don't deny it wasn't stupid" doesn't come off as being very apologetic, even this many years later.
Look at the picture voters. This isn't some homemade costume and you can't just buy one one the shelves at Walmart during Halloween. The only reason Roger has been Sheriff so many times is because he's never had decent competition. Now its here and its time for Cherokee to REALLY become a GREAT place where citizens really do want to live, work and play!
I understand from the story on WSB that David Waters did not release the photos and I would have to believe that he is telling the truth. Just like I believe that Sheriff Garrison is probably now sorry for wearing this costume.
If Sheriff Garrison does not want to throw stones, then why did he throw a stone in this story. He says that David Waters has been married 5 times. I have someone that is very close to me that has been married 5 times and I know this person is not a bad person because it is my Mom. Her choices just have not been good ones.
If Garrison wants to talk about his family being hurt, how about what he did to Chief Lance and his family. He goes to WSB and questions the leadership at the City of Canton Police Department which resulted in Chief Lance being asked to resign. What does he think he did to those two precious children of Chief Lance's???
The issues are that we need the best protection for the wonderful citizens in Cherokee County.