Long before he knew its name, Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams saw servant leadership in action.
“The things my mother did was called servant-leadership. I watched her for many years,” said Williams, who recently received a lifetime volunteer service award from President Joe Biden.
His mother’s service was tied to her baking. She made cakes for funerals, church reunions and other events, and those homemade pound cakes showed her love for her community.
Williams learned his baking skills from her and that pound cake has been a part of his recipe when serving his own community. He’s tweaked it some and played with flavors. Sometimes, it has a hint of lemon or almond. He’s tried sour cream, cream cheese, butter pound cakes, the Elvis pound cake, but he found his tried and true variation.
“I decided to stick with an old-fashioned pound cake. I love it,” he said. “Add a dollop of ice cream or whatever your favorite fruit is.”
And that’s all the topping it needs. No sweet frosting is necessary; it stands on its own.
Those cakes have made it to many events. He’s often called on by groups doing events to feed those in need. They usually have the meat and the sides taken care of, but they want the sheriff’s pound cake for dessert.
Baking his famous cakes is only one of the ways Williams’ service to Burke County stretches outside his law enforcement duties.
“As the sheriff in a rural community, you’re everything to everybody,” he said. “You’re expected to be part of things and driven to help people. You’re called upon to serve in so many capacities.”
And that’s where being a servant leader comes in most, he said, citing Matthew 20:28 of the Bible, where Jesus said he came not to be served but to serve others.
That service causes him to switch hats and do some things that aren’t in the sheriff’s job description.
Two years ago, he drove a school bus for an entire school year. He did that for several years when he worked as police chief in Richmond County schools.
As one of seven children in a single parent household, Williams said his bus drivers were positive male role models for him when he was growing up.
“If I looked to them for that, other children are looking for something similar,” he said.
He and members of the department participate in “Real Men Read” events at local schools. He’s often called on to speak to members of the Burke County football team.
“It’s all about our children,” he said.
By positively reinforcing them, he hopes he can “steer kids in the right direction“ – away from future trouble. He’s spearheaded camps and workshops to teach them about the dangers of vaping, marijuana and fentanyl. He also speaks at area churches and at groups.
In 2024, he was part of 114 community service events.
And as sheriff, he’s worked to implement programs to help the community.
“He established a mentoring program in our elementary and middle schools. He has also enhanced the existing jail ministry. Sheriff Williams created the following: a community relations division to teach crime prevention, residents and business owners, a citizen’s academy, citizens on patrol unit, an All-Terrain Vehicle Unit for natural disasters, an honorary deputy unit, reserve deputies unit, and a GREAT program (Gang Resistance Education and Training). He meets quarterly with neighborhoods to study crime analysis, prevention and education and pass along information. His staff also works with our financial institutions to prevent identity theft and check fraud. He developed this website, and plans include Computerized Crime Mapping to build safer communities (used by residents, business owners/employees, and deputies),” according to the Burke County sheriff’s office website.
“I’m not a politician but a public servant,” he said. “I always want to be intentional about helping to improve the quality of life of mankind.”
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
