Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston has announced that two senior members of his staff have successfully completed an elite training program, while the county jail staff as a whole has received commendation from the Grand Jury for their professionalism and dedication.
Lieutenant John Vick and Sergeant First Class Eric Bergen recently returned from the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) Elite Academy in Midway, Utah, held September 22–26. The advanced training, which focuses on jail administration and management, is offered only to select officers nationwide.
Lt. Vick has served with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009, while SFC Bergen has been with the department since 2017. Sheriff Ralston commended both officers, noting the prestige of the program and the value it brings back to Gordon County.
Following the most recent statutory inspection of the jail, the June 2025 Term of the Gordon County Grand Jury praised the facility and its staff. In its official report, the jury wrote:
“The jail and staff were very well organized. The staff is very efficient and takes great pride in their duties. The technology and security systems were impressive and state of the art. Staff showed great compassion for their charges. Thank you for the great job you do.”
Sheriff Ralston expressed his pride in the accomplishments of his team, stating:
“I am very proud of my jail staff, and I congratulate Lt. Vick and SFC Bergen for their accomplishment. I am especially pleased and proud to receive an official commendation from the Grand Jury, and glad that our system allows for the grand jurors, who’re ordinary citizens, to observe firsthand not only the condition of the county jail, but also the great work of the staff.”
Photos provided by the Sheriff’s Office show Lt. Vick and SFC Bergen with fellow Georgia attendees at the NIJO training, as well as with Sheriff Ralston.
