It’s been just over two weeks since Richmond County’s newest deputy popped up in Augusta.
His name is Deputy Rich Mond, and he’s got large hands and feet and an even larger head. That’s not because of his ego. It’s because he’s the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office new mascot, complete with his own Facebook page and a permanent grin on his foam-stuffed face.
The Sheriff’s public information office declined to answer questions.
And Chief Deputy Pat Clayton said that the sheriff’s office is trying to “tell their own story” these days without relying on media coverage. That’s probably why Deputy Rich Mond has his own Facebook page. That’s where the cover image shows him standing in front of a vehicle labeled “Recruitment” and a challenge to “Come Join Our Team.”
At last count, the sheriff’s office is struggling to fill its ranks and had over 100 vacancies.
On his Facebook page, Deputy Rich is pictured March 14 with the Honorable Judge Harry James being “sworn in.” The post urges everyone to “follow, share & support Deputy Rich’s Facebook page.”
At last count Friday, Deputy Rich had gained 385 friends. On March 18, he was pictured “making new friends,” waving to a row of children. His last post was March 22 with he wished everyone a “Happy Tuesday” with a new photo.
On his page, the reaction is positive, ranging from “Super cute” to “He looks like Officer Ponch Fonzerrelli from CHIPS.”
And also this, from Marl Chestang: “I had the pleasure of driving Dep. Mond to the school parade and being part of it. Dep. Mond is such a positive deputy. The kids loved him, giving him high fives and hugs. Way to go R.C.S.O. by giving back to your young community. They are the future adults of Richmond County. Invest in our future!!”
Elsewhere – off the mascot’s page – the reaction was more skeptical and comical. And some were just curious.
Gail Widener said, “What is this? Why – just why??”
Drew Wiles called it a waste of time and money while Melissa Ann joked that Deputy Rich would probably be named Deputy of the Year.
David Foshee added, “He should fit right in with the other RC characters!”
Greg Rickabaugh is the Jail Report contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at greg.rickabaugh@theaugustapress.com
