Prior to assuming the role of sheriff, Mr. Freeman had a long history of service in law enforcement. Born in 1950, in Atlanta, Sheriff Freeman graduated from Atlanta's Luther Judson Price High School in 1968. He served in the United States Army as a military policeman at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was honorably discharged in 1971. He joined the Georgia State Patrol in 1972. Initially assigned to the patrol post in Savannah, he was later assigned to the governor's mansion, becoming the first African American to work executive security.

He was later promoted to corporal under then Governor Jimmy Carter.

While serving as security aide for Governor George D. Busbee, Mr. Freeman was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and captain and designated supervisor and head of security—becoming the first African American to hold these positions.

In 1983, he transferred to GSP Headquarters as administrative assistant in the Personnel and Training Division. In 1989, he was named division director and promoted to the rank of major. By 1993 Mr. Freeman reached another first in Georgia history -- becoming the first African American appointed deputy commissioner of the Office of Public Safety by then Governor Zell Miller.

In 2000, Governor Roy Barnes appointed Mr. Freeman to the transition team for the then newly created Office of Motor Vehicle Safety, where he later would serve as the agency's accreditation and certification officer. He retired from service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Sheriff Freeman earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and the Master of Public Administration Degree at Brenau College, Gainesville, Georgia and graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the State Personnel Directors Council, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Advisory Committee, and the Peace Officers Association of Georgia.

Sheriff Freeman is extensively active in his community and when he is not swimming, he is running -- to stay ready for the annual Peachtree Road Race. He is married to Pamela Johnson-Freeman and both are members of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta where Mr. Freeman has served on the Board of Deacons and is a bible class instructor.