About Mark

Mark A. LaJoye is a seasoned law enforcement professional, and community leader, with an unparalleled record of service and dedication to public safety. With a diverse background that spans almost 50 years, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his candidacy for County Sheriff.

Mark’s career in public defense began with exemplary service to the United States, Army. His extensive military service is a testament to his dedication to protecting our nation. Mark served in the US Army for an astonishing 41 years, specializing in Army intelligence and Special Ops. He also dedicated 17 years to the National Guard, with a combination of active duty and National Guard service. He organized, led, and managed a battalion of over 500 men. His military career equipped him with invaluable leadership, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.

Mark's career in law enforcement holds another 14 years of exemplary service with the City Police Department (CPD). During his time at the CPD, he honed his skills and expertise in various specialized units, including SWAT/Special Ops, fugitive recovery, vice/narcotics, and bomb tech. His fearless commitment to protecting the community earned him two letters of commendation for his exceptional performance and dedication to duty.

In addition to his city policing experience, Mark served as an FBI liaison, collaborating on federal investigations and enhancing inter-agency cooperation to combat organized crime and terrorism threats. His work with the FBI further deepened his understanding of the complexities of modern law enforcement.

He served as a deputy with the Russell County Sheriff's Department for four years, where he continued to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Mark's dedication to public service even extends beyond law enforcement. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his involvement in training and education. He taught advanced situation awareness, specializing in training intelligence and kinesics—the study of body movements and gestures as a formal nonverbal communication method.

While Mark may not speak his faith out loud, his faith shows through his service to the community. As a devote member of the Catholic community, Mark has been an active member of St. Anne Pacelli since 1998, where he is associated with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization known for its charitable efforts and community involvement.

Furthermore, Mark has served as the Director of Training and Operations at the Legion OTG (Operator Training Group) in Blakey, Georgia. In this role, he oversaw and coordinated specialized training programs, ensuring that law enforcement and military personnel receive the highest level of instruction to enhance their skills and effectiveness.

Mark has taught others and will continue to educate future generations, these invaluable skills for public defense.

Mark A. LaJoye’s extensive background in law enforcement, military service, community engagement distinguishes him from others in his run for County Sheriff. He has a 5-step crime strategy plan, ready for implementation for the citizens of Columbus.