Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Marks Women’s History Month

Press release from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office:

March 13, 2023

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is marking Women’s History Month by honoring a woman who made history, and blazed a trail for women, at the largest law enforcement agency in the Southeast. Major Johnnie Ruth Bussey was the first black female deputy to work at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and this month, the agency will be giving back to her by honoring her at the annual Women’s History Month Breakfast.

Major Bussey still lives in Fulton County today and recalls her historic journey in detail. In 1969, then-Chief Jailer Cart Smithwick requested Bussey apply as a matron, to watch over female deputies at the old jail on Jefferson Street. During this time, women at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were hired as matrons. In this position, matrons did not have arresting powers; their duties were restricted to the care and custody of female detainees.

Initially, when submitting her application, Bussey was turned away. However, Chief Smithwick was firm in his decision and hired Bussey. She was not offered any formal training. In fact, on her first day, the matron on the previous shift merely laid the keys on the desk, leaving Bussey to figure it out on her own. From this beginning, Johnnie Ruth Bussey became a deputy sheriff in the early 1970s. She, and Deputy Judy Guest, were the first women to serve on the FCSO Honor Guard. During her career, Bussey rose through the ranks to become a Captain. She was promoted to Major upon her retirement.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to Major Bussey for creating this path for so many to follow in her footsteps.

This press release was produced by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.