Excerpt from @ajc article: Carl Simms, 76: Longest-serving Fulton deputy was known for kindness Posted: 3:58 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015 By C.G. Freightman - For the AJC Carl Edward Simms loved his job and loved people. Known for his quick wit, work ethic and kindness, Simms was respected by colleagues and inmates during his 42-year tenure with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He was one of the first African-Americans to work for the sheriff’s department and was the county’s longest-serving sheriff’s deputy. “He was a dedicated sheriff’s deputy who was honest,” said Fulton Sheriff Ted Jackson. “He was loyal to the sheriff’s office and cared about the image of the office and did what he could to protect it.” Simms of Atlanta died July 30 of kidney failure at the age of 76. His funeral was Aug. 7 at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta. Born on June 7, 1939, in Newnan, Simms was the youngest of eight children. He married his childhood friend Hazel Johnson in 1966. Simms began his career as a sheriff’s deputy in April 1971, when few African-Americans worked for the department. At the time, black deputies, who were not allowed to drive county vehicles, had to pick up inmates in their own cars, said retired sheriff’s Capt. Johnnie Bussey, who joined the department about a year before Simms. Despite the challenges, Simms devoted himself to his work, Bussey said. He held several positions during his tenure, including supervising inmates on work details. His kind demeanor helped him gain their respect, she said. “The early days were not very easy,” Bussey said. “It could have been a stressful job, but he carried himself in a way that his duties were not stressful to him or the inmates. He loved his job because he loved people. He would give advice. He was professional, and he demanded respect.” (Continued on www.ajc.com) #fcso #fultoncountysheriffsoffice #fultoncountyga #obit (at Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
