Paul Kuhns Announces Candidacy for Sheriff

Sheriff Paul Kuhns has announced his intent to run for the office of Sheriff in Effingham County as a Republican.

“Since serving as Effingham County Sheriff, my focus has been on keeping the residents of this county safe,” Kuhns said. “I believe that it is imperative that your Sheriff work with other agencies and Police Departments to always serve the best interest of the public and this is exactly what we have done in my interim as Sheriff.”

When former Effingham County Sheriff David Mahon retired in June of 2021 the Effingham County Board appointed Kuhns to serve the remainder of the term. Prior to serving as acting Sheriff, Kuhns served as a Deputy Sheriff for Effingham County for 27 years. 

Kuhns became a full time Deputy Sheriff in 1995. Later that same year he was selected as the first K-9 Handler for the Sheriff’s Office. 

“Over a six-year period, K-9 Fritz and I tracked down more than 3.5 million dollars of illegal narcotics, and located several people who were either lost, or actively trying to escape custody after committing a serious crime,” Kuhns said. “The one person I located that I will never forget, was a little boy in Cumberland County who walked away from home and into the woods after following his dog. I was always grateful to Fritz for his unwavering dedication, and his ability to make me look good. He was really eager to please and good at his job.”

In 1997, Kuhns was promoted to Patrol Corporal, then to Sergeant in 1999. He was tasked with being the Commander of the Special Services Team, which served high risk arrest and search warrants. During this time, before regionalized teams were common, his team was made up of officers from Effingham County, Effingham City, Jasper County and Newton Police Department. 

“We were fairly busy and served about two warrants a month,” Kuhns said. “Most of these warrants and arrests were related to drug operations and were always unpredictable and tense. I have always been humbled that the Officers I served with on this team would make any sacrifice, while always showing a large amount of restraint. This taught me a lot about being a part of something that was larger than myself.”

Since being an administrator at the Sheriff’s Office, Kuhns has established programs and practices to increase the efficiency and professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office, while recognizing the need to be financially responsible. 

Some of these programs include:

• Establishing Mandatory School Patrols to increase Officer presence in schools
• Implementing new policy in the jail to ensure compliance with new laws and mandates
• Facilitating Rescue Task Force training with local Fire Departments to save lives in the event of an active shooter incident
• Implementing a Field Training Officer program to better train new Correctional Officers 
• Managing a large construction project for the County to overhaul, and later refurbish, an elevator in the County Office Building and ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget 
• Preparing and implementing the Budget for the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and staying within budget, for the last seven years

“I love this county and the people that live and work here,” Kuhns said. “I have lived here my whole life. My wife Gayla and I have a small farm here, and we have raised a family. I am asking for your vote in the primary as the Republican choice for Effingham County Sheriff. If you entrust me with your vote, I promise to always place the best interest of Effingham County Citizens first.”

The primary election is June 28, 2022.