Chief Shirley has served the Lavonia Police Department since his appointment in 1999 and has attained over 1000 hours of intermediate and advanced training.  Since becoming chief, the department has undergone many changes.  Some of these include obtaining state certification in 2001, the formation of the department's first investigation division in 2002, and increasing the much needed man power of the department.

          Prior to serving Lavonia, Chief Shirley served with the Toccoa Police Department as a police officer from 1974 to 1980, the Stephens County Sheriff's Department as an investigator from 1980 to 1996 and the Georgia Department of Labor in Atlanta from 1996 to 1999 as an agent.

          Chief Shirley graduated from Stephens County High School in 1973.  He also graduated Cum Laude in 1987 from Brenau University earning his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and in Criminal Justice.  While in school he was on the National Dean's list 1984 - 1985 and 1985 - 1986, In Who's Who among students in American Universities and Colleges and was a member of Phi Beta Sigma.

Chief Shirley has been honored with many awards including:

• Lawman of the month - Toccoa Police Department - 1978

• Young Monarch Award - Toccoa Lions Club - 1991

• Special Award of Honor - International Narcotics Asso., Montreal Canada - 1991

• Officer of the Year - Toccoa Optimist Club - 1993

• Toccoa / Stephens Citizen of the Year - 1994

• "People Sharing, People Caring" Charitable Contributions Leadership Award - State of Georgia - 1999

• Exceptional Service in the Public Interest Award - F.B.I. - signed by director Louie Free - 2000

• Georgia to the Nation of Israel - Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Progam - 2002

Chief Shirley is a member of several professional organizations and civic groups including:

    Professional Organizations:

• Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police

• International Association of Chiefs of Police

• Georgia Sheriff's Association

• Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program

• Georgia Peace Officer's Standards and Training Council

• Past president of Tri-State Law Enforcement Conference

• Past president of Piedmont Northern Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (M.A.N.S.)

    Civic Groups:

• Toccoa Boys & Girls Club

• Leadership Toccoa / Stephens and Franklin Counties

• Lavonia Chamber Commerce

• Past Junior Warden of Toccoa Masonic Lodge

• Past President of Toccoa Shine Club

• Past President of Toccoa Optimist Club

Chief Shirley is married with one child.  They attend Hill Street Baptist Church in Toccoa where he serves as Treasurer and Deacon.