New sheriff elected in Fayette Co. after previous loss - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

The newly elected sheriff in Fayette County is a familiar face in the area.

Barry Babb beat the incumbent Sheriff Wayne Hannah on Tuesday by a nearly two to one margin to win the primary on Tuesday. He is running unopposed in the general election.

Babb and Hannah both worked for Fayette County when they ran against each other in 2008.  

In what was seen as controversial move at the time, after winning the election, Hannah demoted Babb from captain to deputy and placed him at the county jail. Babb's pay was cut as well.

"It was a time of solitude. It was a time of discomfort. It was a time of loneliness," said Babb.

After a year, he left the sheriff's office and joined the Atlanta Police Department as an officer on an overnight shift.

Babb credits his win on Tuesday to his supporters.
    
"It's overwhelming. It just touches your heart and this victory is theirs. It makes me want to work harder for this community because it's home," said Babb.

Babb will return to a sheriff's office that he had known for more than 20 years. He says he does not expect big changes.

"I spent 22 of 25 years in law enforcement there.  Everybody that's there, pretty much, are the same people that I've with, and have worked for and have worked for me, so it will be very smooth because they're my friends and they're my family," said Babb.

Babb declined to speak ill of Hannah and the adversity that followed the 2008 election. He sees the positive of his time as a deputy in the jail and an officer on the streets of Atlanta.

"I feel I can take all the things that have happened and bring it back and the officers are ready to follow me because I've walked that mile in their shoes and they admire the things I've done," said Babb.

Babb said that when he was demoted from command staff to deputy, he learned lessons about what works and doesn't work in the jail -- a perspective he would have never otherwise had.

Until he is sworn into office in January, Babb will continue to work for the Atlanta Police Department.