www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., recently recognized Gwinnett Sheriff Keybo Taylor as a pioneer, highlighting his role as the first African-American to serve as the county's top lawman in Gwinnett's more than 202-year history.

Taylor was one of four sheriffs in the 4th Congressional District who received a Pioneer Award from Johnson — the others being DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox, Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown and Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett.

“I look forward to Sheriff Taylor joining myself along, with sheriffs Maddox, Levett and Brown, in rebuilding our communities and helping those who deserve a second chance after getting caught up in the system or falling on hard times,” Johnson said.

Along with the four sheriffs, Johnson also presented a Pioneer Award to Lillian Foston Walker, who is the first African-American to serve as a secretary for the Georgia General Assembly, having served under then-State Sen. Leroy Johnson, who was became Georgia's first African-American state senator when he was elected in 1962.

SOURCE: www.GwinnettDailyPost.com