Sheriff hires Knuckles as a second major

By Carrie A. Mizell

GCSO Maj. Leonard Knuckles

Gilchrist County Sheriff Daniel Slaughter has promoted a Trenton native with 30 years experience with the Department of Corrections to the position of major within the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).
Leonard Knuckles assumed his new duties last Thursday. According to Slaughter, Knuckles will supervise the operation of the jail and the civil division. He will also assist with training within the GCSO. Knuckles’ promotion means there will again be two majors serving under Slaughter. Currently, Major Tony Smith is in charge of law enforcement operations.
Slaughter said on Friday that Knuckles’ 30 years of experience with the Department of Corrections played a key role in his decision to promote the officer, who he said would be an asset to the county’s jail system.
While working with Department of Corrections at Lancaster Correctional Institute, Knuckles held the position of K-9 Sergeant and Administrative Sergeant at the work camp. He also worked as a housing officer, training relief officer and transport officer.
According to Slaughter, Knuckles is also certified as a firearms instructor.
Knuckles has worked with GCSO since 1985 as a part-time officer within the patrol and civil divisions.