He leads with faith and shows up for his Houston County deputies every shift

Every day is different while out on patrol, and Lieutenant Andrew Lauritsen loves every minute of it.

Lauritsen is a supervisor who ensures everything is in order and his deputies have what they need for the day. He also checks reports and goes to the scene with the deputies from time to time.

“If they need any help, they can call me. I try to have the best answers for them and try to be a mentor,” he said. “Even if their personal lives come up, I try to help them out the best I can by talking with them and getting them through the hard times that they go through.”

Lauritsen also is present at major incidents, taking command and making sure everyone is in the right place during those situations.

He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to Warner Robins in the fifth grade. He played football at Valdosta State University, winning the Division II title in 2012.

In 2018, Lauritsen started working for the Sheriff’s Office in the jail. He then switched to patrol in 2020 and has been in that department ever since. He’s married with two kids, a four year old son and a five year old daughter.

Currently, Lauristen works the night shift. A typical day usually begins with him getting briefed of what happened the previous shift.

“Before the shift beforehand turns it over, they’ll brief me and the other supervisors of what went down and what to expect,” he said. “I pretty much supervise the whole shift, If everyone’s busy, I’ll take calls myself to make sure everybody is on track.”

Lauristen said he will always try to remain variable for his deputies whenever there is a question and things of that nature.

Once Lauritsen was commissioned to be on patrol in 2020, he took many classes at the Georgia Public Training Center. He said he wanted to further his abilities while learning as much as he can when it comes to law enforcement.

“I take [my job] seriously,” he said. “The more education you have and the more aware of things you are, the better you are going to be and the better decisions you’re going to make.”

Lauritsen’s job deals with a lot of split-second decisions; dealing with that on a daily basis while keeping a “cool head” is something he keeps at the forefront.

“Don’t let people’s attitudes and actions persuade how you need to be,” he said.

What keeps Lauritsen grounded is his relationship with Jesus Christ. At the beginning of every shift, he reads Bible passages with his deputies, which they really enjoy.

He said honoring the Lord is of utmost importance.

“I try to be the best witness possible, and that’s not only to my guys, but to everybody in the community,” he said. “If I have a sorry attitude and I’m being mean to people regardless of how they’re acting to me, I’m not being a very good witness and giving the glory to and honor to God.”

Lauritsen has always been fascinated with police growing up, as he always looked up to and respected them. He admires the fact that they give an effort to maintain order and protect the public from criminals.

“My biggest thing about law enforcement is being able to take action and try to make this community better,” he said. “You gotta be empathetic and understand where people are coming from, but still do your job at the same time.”
Lauritsen really loves being on patrol and said each day can be something different whether that be serving warrants, responding to calls or trying to catch the bad guys.

“The possibilities are endless and there’s no telling what you’re gonna come across,” he said. “I really like serving dangerous criminal warrants. I find that very interesting and helpful. I feel like we’re actually helping by getting those guys into jail and hopefully learn from their mistakes, just like we all do in life.”

Lauritsen was surprised and grateful that Sheriff Matt Moulton nominated him, however, he said there are plenty deputies who are equally deserving.

“We all can’t do it by ourselves. This is a family, a team and we have to really work together to accomplish goals,” he said.
Overall, Lauritsen’s relationship with Jesus Christ is his “foundation” in everyday life. He said if he was left up to his own devices he’d not be where he is today.

“Relying on God and staying in His Word keeps me going as He’s blessed me with so much in life that I definitely don’t deserve,” he said. “He’s what keeps us centered, so putting my faith in him and trusting that He’s in total control eases the anxiety and stuff that could stem from this job.”

When he’s not working, Lauritsen loves to play golf, work out and is active in his church.