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Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office held a Retirement Ceremony for Lieutenant Henry Wentland in honor of his 36 years of service on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Pike County Judicial Complex.

The ceremony opened with the invocation by the Rev. Jimmy Helms, director of the Wiregrass Law Enforcement Academy.

Sheriff Thomas said Lt. Henry Wentland had distinguished himself through 36 years of local, dedicated and distinguished service to law enforcement here in Pike County.

‘Lieutenant Henry Wentland will be greatly missed and he is to be congratulated and honored for a job well done for 36 years,” Thomas said.

Lt. Henry Wentland began his law enforcement career in 1988 with the Brundidge Police Department. In 1993, he began his career with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office where he worked until his retirement.

“Lieutenant Wentland is the kind of officer any sheriff would want, and be very fortunate to have, in his department,” Thomas said

“Over Henry’s outstanding career, he has been an asset to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and to me.”

During Wentland’s career in law enforcement, he served as the FBI and NRA Certified Fire Arms instructor, Taser  Instructor, and OC Spray instructor, Baton and Handcuffing instructor, Special Response Team member and Chaplain of the local Fraternal Order of Police.

Thomas said people expect higher standards for police officers than they do for anyone else.

“Lieutenant Henry Wentland has performed his duties with professionalism and with the understanding of the powers police officers are given and the unique position they hold in society,” Thomas said. “Lieutenant Wentland has served with distinction and honor for 36 years.  He will be missed by all of us in law enforcement and by all those he has served over the years. We congratulate Lieutenant Wentland and, with appreciation to his family for their love and support of his duty to service over these many years.”

Wentland expressed appreciation to all those at the Pike County Sheriff’s Departments with whom he has worked with and learned from all 36 years his has served with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. He expressed appreciation for those who have supported him and encouraged him throughout his career. He had special appreciation for his family for its support of him and his dedication to law enforcement.