Sheriff Welcomes Buford to Corrections – Lowndes Signal

Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West recently welcomed a law enforcement veteran to the team at the John Hulett Detention Center in Hayneville. Tommy Levlle Buford, Sr. joined West’s team as a corrections officer with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience.

“I started my career in Greenville with the police department,” Buford said. “I’ve been working in corrections for about eight years.”

Buford explains that he came to Lowndes County looking for a change of pace. He was working as a sergeant in Greenville when he suffered a stroke while on duty on Aug. 16, 2020.

“I was working on my comeback and wanted to go back to a place where I would be well known.”

Buford, who previously served as Mosses police chief, said he knows Lowndes County well.

“I know this area,” Buford mused. “I’ve known the sheriff (West) for a long time and the boss (Reginald McKitt) for a long time. I thought this would be a good place for me.”

Buford is a “sworn” officer with full law enforcement authority issued by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC).

“We are honored to have Mr. Buford on our team,” West said. “His experience in corrections and as a police officer is an asset to our team.”

His long career in law enforcement and commitment to excellence have allowed him to create a legacy that future generations of officers can benefit from.

“I have three sons and a daughter,” Buford said. “Two of my children are in law enforcement. I am incredibly proud of them.”