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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

The cancer diagnosis Brian Jacobs received would have sent many people into a depression and possibly an early retirement.

But not Jacobs, the chief deputy for the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, who not only survived the treatments, but did so with an “I’ve got this” positive attitude and continued dedication to the residents of Davie County.

Last month, he was recognized by county commissioners as he was awarded the advanced law enforcement certificate, and a 25-year service award from the state.

“Through all of this, he has continued to work, he has continuted to serve the citizens of this county,” said Sheriff JD Hartman. “There are some days I think, how did he get here today? But he’s there working for ya’ll.”

The advanced law enforcement certificate, which Hartman encourages all of his officers to obtain, requires some 69 points in an accreditation, with 20 hours of training earning the officer one point.

Jacobs started with the sheriff’s office in 1999, and after a few years elsewhere, came back to Davie, where he has served as a patrol deputy, detective, school resource officer (lead officer for 9 years), watch commander, captain of the patrol division and chief deputy for the past three years.

“He does a tremendous job,” Hartman said. “I’m blessed to have him and the citizens of this county are blessed to have him.”

The sheriff said he gained even more respect for Jacobs as he battled cancer. “I could not be more proud to work with him.”

His accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed by the commissioners, all who thanked him for his work.

“Not only am I so proud of his accomplishments as a deputy, but over the last year, he has shown us what it is like to be an amazing human, and to be strong and to still look to God and give God the glory when you’re suffering. We’re grateful for Brian’s life as a servant.”