Marshal Silver Badge

Georgia's senators applauded President Donald Trump's move to fill two of the state's three U.S. Marshal vacancies.

Trump announced Thursday that he intends to nominate two longtime law enforcement officers to the jobs: John Cary Bittick of Forsyth as U.S. marshal for the Middle District of Georgia and David Lyons of Savannah as U.S. marshal for the Southern District of Georgia. The senators took note that the job remains open for the Northern District of Georgia.

“Our U.S. Marshals provide critical protection for our citizens and support for our justice system,” Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said in a news release. “These two Georgians are well-qualified and excellent choices for these demanding roles. I look forward to assisting them with their Senate confirmation process.”

In the same news release, Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said, “Georgia is home to some of the most impressive law enforcement officers in the nation. I applaud President Trump on nominating John Cary Bittick and David Lyons. They will serve our nation well.”

Bittick is the sheriff of Monroe County. He has more than four decades of law enforcement experience coupled with 22 years of experience as a board member and past president of the National Sheriff's Association, according to the senators.

Lyons most recently was chief of police for Garden City. He has more than four decades of law enforcement experience and served as a military police commissioned officer, according to the senators. Lyons was named Police Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2016.

The White House announcement noted that the U.S. Marshals' officers provide security services protecting federal judges and courts plus “apprehending fugitives, transporting prisoners, and protecting witnesses.”

The White House said the chosen candidates share Trump's vision for “Making America Safe Again.”