I’m running for Sheriff because I believe in building a department that serves with integrity, compassion, and commitment. After decades of service, I know what a strong Sheriff’s Office looks like—and I know we can do better.

My Goals:

• Budget

• The current administration has increased the budget faster than the previous administration. The previous administration started with a budget of 8 million and increased that to 22 million in a 20 year period. The current administration has doubled that in only 8 years.
• Its time that someone take Fiscal responsibility and take control of the budget.
• Drug Epidemic
• Drug use and related fatalities in Sullivan County, Tennessee, have risen significantly between 2018 and 2024, consistently reporting some of the highest overdose rates in the state. Starting with 52 in 2018 and up to 93 reported in 2023
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, (NAS) in Sullivan County is over 50% higher than the state average.
• My approach is to be proactive instead of reactive.

• Establish a Professional HR Department
• Recruit and retain capable, committed staff.
• Develop programs that improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Ensure fair labor practices and legal compliance.
• Serve as a bridge between leadership and employees.
• Reorganize the Sheriff’s Office
• Place personnel in roles that match their strengths and passions.
• Create a structure that promotes efficiency, morale, and accountability.
• Strengthen Patrol Operations
• Patrol has not increased since I started in 1990 but the population has grown by over 20,000 residents. In 1990 the percentage of residents that lived outside of the cities in the rural areas of the county was 26%. Today the percentage is 48%.
• I will Increase the number of patrol officers to meet the growing population and call volumes.
• Enhance neighborhood and business patrols to improve visibility and safety.
• Create a Dedicated Traffic Division
• Handle radar requests, road closures, and traffic-related issues.
• Free up patrol officers to focus on broader community needs.
• Build Stronger Community Relationships
• Encourage zone officers to connect with local business owners.
• Identify and address community concerns proactively.
• Launch Community Engagement Programs
• Host regular forums and meetings with citizens.
• Give the public a voice in shaping policies and priorities.

I want to be a people’s Sheriff—someone who listens, leads with fairness, and puts the needs of the community and the department first. I loved my time at the Sheriff’s Office, and I still care deeply about the people who serve and the citizens they protect.

If you elect me, I will work for you. Together, we can build a Sheriff’s Office that we’re all proud of.