Crisp Co., Sumter Co. Sheriffs challenge each other in sales competition at Scoops Ice Cream in Americus; raises funds for CCSO Youth and Warrior Fund

AMERICUS, Ga. – I’m here outside Scoops Ice Cream in Americus, where their local Sheriff Eric Bryant is going head-to-head with Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock to see who can sell the most ice cream in a 2-hour period.

Each sheriff had their own day to step behind the counter.

Sheriff Bryant took on the challenge Monday, while Sheriff Hancock had his turn on Thursday.

Both days saw an incredible turnout, with hundreds from each community showing up to support their sheriff, and there was no shortage of passion from these hometown fans.

“Best sheriff in the state of Georgia. Best sheriff in the U.S. Sheriff Billy Hancock, my sheriff,” said Vesta Beal Shephard, Ward 1 City Commissioner, City of Cordele.

This event wasn’t just about competition. It was about bringing communities together, supporting a local business, and raising money for the Youth and Warriors Fund in Crisp County.

But… I had to ask both sheriffs, how did this idea come about?

“Well, it was a haphazard thing. We were here one night having ice cream. We got to talking to the owner and Eric kind of laid out a challenge down there and said, “We ought to do something to promote our agencies and talk to people.” So, he throws out the idea of scooping ice cream. So, we met a few weeks later and we walked down to scoops and it was on after that. Everyone challenged each other,” said Sheriff Billy Hancock, Crisp Co. Sheriff’s Office.

“Well, believe it or not, Sheriff Hancock has been the senior of the group. Of course, he came up with the idea and it was definitely something we wanted to take part of. We both love ice cream. Of course, we love this establishment. And, of course, we love Sumter county,” said Sheriff Eric Bryant, Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office.

And… the competition didn’t stop at the counter.

Sumter County Sheriff’s deputies had a little fun pulling over the bus full of crisp county supporters, while Sheriff Hancock playfully locked Sheriff Bryant out of scoops.

All in good spirits of course, supporting a local business and creating unforgettable moments.

“Wow. It is incredible for us to have someone of their magnitude in their respective counties to come here to scoops. We’ve only been open for about a year. This was a dream of my wife’s. And when we got this up and running. We had no idea the support would be like it is today,” said Kenny Phillips, Owner, Scoops Ice Cream, Americus.

In the end, Sheriff Bryant claimed victory on his home turf, selling 652 scoops.

But… Crisp county didn’t back down. Despite being 30 minutes away, they still managed to sell an impressive 577 scoops.

Because in Americus and Cordele, local support runs deep.

Gabe Hutton reporting.

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