After 23 years in the Marines and 23 years in the Forsyth County School system, Charles "Mac" Kelly joined the force at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
"Several of the deputies with Forsyth County were students of mine. So, I will have gone from being their boss, so to speak, to in this case being junior to them," Kelly said. "But that's just fine with me because I'm surrounded by good, hard-working, honest people.
He believes he taught about 2,500 students during his time teaching the JROTC program at North Forsyth High School. He also started the program, which is the only JROTC program in the county.
"After 23 years, if I contributed anything positively, I think all my magic was about expired," he explained. "But I've been blessed with pretty good health and I'm too young to retire."
Kelly met several of the deputies before joining the force through his son, who also works for the Sheriff's Office.
When asked what it's like to work with his son Kelly said, "I've seen my son a couple of times here and I'm very proud of him. He's conducted himself well. ...Just two hours ago, one of the inmates said, 'We respect him. He does a good job.' and I can't think of a larger compliment to me and my wife."
He credits his tenacity and "don't quit" attitude for his successes in life as well as the bosses he's served under who placed their faith in him.
He expressed his appreciation and said, "Sheriff Freeman took on an old guy. I'm humbled that they'd have that kind of faith in me and I will do everything I can not to let them down. I want to make sure their judgement goes down in the record books as being proper."
He hopes to serve on the force another 5 or 6 years, at least, until retirement.
