Chatham Sheriff John Wilcher hospitalized in 'critical condition,' office says

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

1 1 minute read

Chatham County Sheriff John T. Wilcher accepts the Community Oriented Policing Award during the Club's annual 200 Chris Argentinis Valor Award ceremony at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher was hospitalized and is in “critical condition” with an unspecified condition, his office announced Sunday.

“We understand that this news may come as a surprise and that many of you may have questions or concerns,” the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post Sunday. “We have no further details to share at this time. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we ask that you respect the privacy of Sheriff Wilcher's family during this time.

Wilcher began his career with the sheriff's office in 1974 at the old Chatham County Jail on Habersham Street in downtown Savannah. In 2014, he retired at the rank of colonel, and in April 2016, won a special election to replace the late Sheriff Al St. Lawrence.

He was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, despite running unopposed.

Wilcher will face Democrat Richard Coleman in the November general election.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County Sheriff Wilcher is in critical condition, according to the office.