ABBEVILLE — Wilcox State Prison Warden Alan Carter officially assumed his new duties during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at the prison Tuesday afternoon.

As exiting warden Donald Barrow passed the flag on to his successor, he reflected on his time at Wilcox State.

“My family and I will certainly miss you all,” said Barrow. “Thank you for your support through the years.”

Carter, a graduate of Lowndes County High School, began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a correctional officer at Lowndes State Prison.

In 1996 Warden Carter worked with the Olympics in Atlanta, assigning responsibilities to the correctional staff. He has also monitored private prisons, served as a county coordinator, deputy warden of security at Autry State Prison and superintendent at Southwest Probation Detention Center.

Carter recognized those who turned out to support him at the ceremony, especially his wife Melody and two children, Lee and Noel.

“I look forward to working with a staff with such skill,” said Warden Carter. “I have been very impressed with this facility. Wilcox State will continue to help the community and work as a team. I want to take Wilcox State to a new level.”

Much credit was given to those donning the blue uniforms.

“The officers, they are where the rubber meets the road,” Carter said. “Let them all go away today, and see who is coming out to see you tonight. They are much of the reason citizens can sleep at night.”

Brian Owens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, presented Warden Carter with his new badge.

“There is no better prison than right here in the state of Georgia,” said Owens. “And Wilcox State is the best.”

Wilcox State Prison is responsible for 2,054 male inmates, combined from the 1,862 at the prison in Abbeville and the remaining 192 who are housed at the Turner Pre-Release Center in Sycamore.

Warden Carter officially assumed his responsibilities on June 29. Barrow transferred to Telfair State Prison.