Core Values and Mission:Throughout my law enforcement career, I have been passionate about my faith in Jesus and my service to all people. These core conservative values have enabled me to build long-term relationships with those I served, rebuilding trust, hope, and restore faith in policing. My policing style has always protected each citizen's constitutional rights and freedoms, including our personal freedoms, especially our 2nd Amendment gun rights and pro-life values. All of us are made in the image of God, who grants our liberties. I believe God has ordained me for these uncertain times. As Sheriff, I will not allow these freedoms to be stripped from us.Community Policing:
Community trust must be restored, and relationships rebuilt within each community the Sheriff’s Office serves. My desire as Sheriff is to identify the problems and needs that must be addressed to establish safe and cohesive communities. This can only be achieved through a boots-on-the-ground approach, utilizing a Community Policing style that matches deputies directly to the neighborhoods they serve. Direct community involvement through Crime Prevention and Town Hall meetings is essential, and all deputies shall participate. I prioritize more boots on the ground to deter and prevent crime, with fewer internal administrative positions. Law enforcement presence is the best deterrent to crime and promotes relationships and interaction with citizens. They feel safer when they know who is protecting them, fostering greater transparency within the community.
Dangers and County Readiness
From the Oklahoma City bombing to 9/11, COVID, and Hurricane Helene, I have the experience to know what worked and what didn’t. Spartanburg County faced a significant emergency with Hurricane Helene, exposing how ill-prepared we were. Leveraging my out-of-state training and experience, I will implement enhanced measures of readiness to tackle any challenge, ensuring Spartanburg County is better prepared. In today’s world, we cannot afford to take preparedness for granted.
Education, Training, and Gear
I strongly advocate for ongoing and enhanced training, along with proper gear to ensure operational readiness. Staying informed on world events and criminal trends is critical to staying ahead of emerging threats. We cannot afford to lag behind for the sake of our safety and peace. Proactive training mitigates harm, particularly from threats coming off the interstates. Well-trained and prepared Deputies will respond with confidence and engage decisively with challenges. Action, not reaction, is key. I particularly emphasize the following training priorities:
Critical Incident Training (CIT): Essential for addressing the crises of our time.
Domestic Violence: Educating law enforcement on proper decision-making to protect themselves and victims. I previously conducted domestic violence training for the state’s annual program.
Homelessness and Mental Health: We face a mental health crisis. My firsthand experience with the homeless crisis drives my commitment to partner with compassionate organizations to provide services and advocate for strong citizens.
Drug Enforcement: Addressing the drug crisis requires proactive measures, including targeted enforcement and community education to reduce drug-related crime.
Additionally, Spartanburg County leads the state in traffic fatalities, which is unacceptable. We are failing to enforce everyday violations, which emboldens reckless behavior on our roads. Many drivers ignore basic traffic laws and push limits. We must enhance traffic enforcement to make a meaningful difference.
Officer Morale and Support
Officer morale is critical to a strong Sheriff’s Office. We need to trust each other and “show up” for our team, as we accomplish nothing alone. I know how it feels to be unsupported, and I am committed to rebuilding trust within the department. As Sheriff, I will implement an open-door policy, ensuring all deputies have access to leadership. I also propose incorporating mental health services under the Sheriff’s Department to support our officers’ well-being, fostering a culture of camaraderie and resilience.
Morale and Hope for the Community
Our country faces significant turmoil, making optimism challenging at times. As Sheriff, I aim to inspire a renewal of hope in our hearts, reflected in our actions. By fostering safer communities, transparent policing, and compassionate service, we can restore faith in our institutions and each other. My leadership will prioritize unity, safety, and hope, ensuring Spartanburg County thrives even in uncertain times.
Conclusion
As your Sheriff, I pledge to lead with faith, integrity, and a commitment to protecting our constitutional freedoms. Through community policing, enhanced readiness, comprehensive training, and a focus on officer and community morale, I will work tirelessly to make Spartanburg County safer, stronger, and more united. Together, we can rebuild trust, restore hope, and ensure a brighter future for all.
