William W. Hitchens (born April 26, 1947) is an American former police officer, former Director of Homeland Security and current politician from Georgia. Hitchens is a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 161st District, serving since 2012.
Bill Hitchens | |
|---|---|
| Director of Georgia Office Homeland Security | |
| In office 2003–2005 | |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 161st district | |
| Assumed office January 14, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Mickey Stephens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 26, 1947 United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Norma Hitchens |
| Residence(s) | Rincon, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Other names | William W. Hitchens, William W. "Bill" Hitchens, Jr. |
| Relatives | William W. Hitchens, III (son) |
| Military career | |
| Service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1965-1969 |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War |
Education
editIn 1975, Hitchens earned a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice / Political Science from Georgia Southern University. Hitchens graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.[1][2]
Career
editIn 1965, Hitchens served in the United States Marines Corps, until 1969. Hitchens is a Vietnam veteran.[3][2]
In 1969, Hitchens became a Trooper with Georgia State Patrol, until 1997.[3][2]
In 1976, Hitchens served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve Unit Air Station Savannah, until 2001.[2]
In 2002, Hitchens was appointed by Governor-Elect Sonny Perdue as the Director of Georgia Office Homeland Security. Hitchens served as Director from 2003 to 2005.[1][2]
On November 6, 2012, Hitchens won the election unopposed and became a Republican member of Georgia House of Representatives for District 161.[4] On November 4, 2014, as an incumbent, Hitchens won the election unopposed and continued serving District 161.[5] On November 8, 2016, as an incumbent, Hitchens won the election unopposed and continued serving District 161.[6] On November 6, 2018, as an incumbent, Hitchens won the election and continued serving District 161. Hitchens defeated Adam Bridges with 63.45% of the votes.[7][3] On November 3, 2020, as an incumbent, Hitchens won the election unopposed and continued serving District 161.[8][9][2]
Personal life
editHitchens' wife is Norma Hitchens. They have 4 children. Hitchens and his family live in Rincon, Georgia.[3][2]
Hitchens' son William W. Hitchens, III, is also a law enforcement officer. In 2020, Hitchens' son William W. Hitchens, III, became the Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia State Patrol and Deputy Commissioner of Georgia Department of Public Safety.[10][11][12]
References
edit- ^ a b "Governor-Elect Perdue Appoints Bill Hitchens Director of Homeland Security". georgia.gov. January 9, 2002. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bill Hitchens' Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Bridges, Hitchens running for District 161 State House". wsav.com. 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "GA House 161". ourcampaigns.com. November 6, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "GA House 161". ourcampaigns.com. November 4, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "GA House 161". ourcampaigns.com. November 8, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "GA House 161". ourcampaigns.com. November 6, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "GA House 161". ourcampaigns.com. November 3, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "Representative Bill Hitchens". legis.ga.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "New Georgia DPS Commissioner Means Big Promotions for 3 with South Georgia Roots". allongeorgia.com. September 30, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ "Public Safety Board promotes Hitchens". savannahnow.com. October 7, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ "DPS Leadership". georgia.gov. Retrieved March 19, 2020.