By Jessica Dillon
Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis and community volunteer Scott Norman were honored during a recent dinner hosted by the Colonel George Waller Chapter Sons of the American Revolution at Hugo’s.
Davis received the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, while Norman was presented the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal in recognition of his volunteer service.
During the event, Davis spoke about redesigning the sheriff’s office shoulder patch.
“When I look at a sheriff’s office patch or any law enforcement patch, its number one priority should be to identify a law enforcement officer. After that is accomplished, then what we can do is begin to expand upon that and make each patch unique to your community and your agency.”
He said the new patch reflects both law enforcement identity and local heritage, while also recognizing America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
“It was just time for a new look, something I felt accomplished. Our goal of identifying us with law enforcement agencies and reflecting our community, it became one of my first priorities,” Davis said.
Davis said the redesign took about two-and-a-half years and involved manufacturing delays.
“When it comes to manufacturing a patch such as this, we had a difficult time finding someone who was willing to do it. And we wanted an American-made company to do it,” he said.
He also sought feedback from his officers and began sketching ideas himself.
“I had some paper cutouts of our badge and some of my seven-year-old son’s colored pencils.”
Davis said he wanted to incorporate local Revolutionary War history and honor Patrick Henry.
“The next thing I knew that I wanted to do was include some form of Henry County history in it. I love the history of the Revolutionary War. I love the history of Henry County and how we were founded after a great patriot, Patrick Henry.”
After choosing to include the year 1777 on the patch, Davis said it sparked online debate.
“My gosh, did that set off the online debate … from every subject matter expert in the world who could use Google or AI. And there were a lot of people with a lot of opinions.”
He said the founding year was later verified. Including “In God We Trust” also generated discussion before the design was finalized.
“I love the history of this country, the sacrifices I found and fathers made. Behind my desk hangs a portrait of George Washington and Valley Forge. It is the focal point of my office.”
Norman also addressed attendees, reflecting on his volunteer work and time at Richard’s Dinner.
“I can’t think of how many different boards, different things that I’ve been invited to serve on. And I’ve done the best I could because of the willingness in my heart, because of my parents. I gotta throw the credit back over there. Mama told me to learn something and teach it to somebody else. Dad taught me a little bit at a time, and if everybody works together, it gets done. So, I guess that’s how you become a volunteer. And I guess what I do, some people might say I cook for my purposes, I train volunteers.”