What is your biggest accomplishment?
Accomplishments in leadership is not what you achieve, it’s what you set in motion. During my career I have trained, mentored and supervised Marines. I have also trained, mentored
and supervised Police Officers. Watching these people come alive and soar forward during
their careers with the training and mentoring that I have passed on to them is an accomplishment that I hold close to my heart. To me, this is the highest form of leadership, accomplishment and satisfaction.
As a leader you help people live up to their potential, not your expectations. Being married for 35 years is my biggest personal accomplishment.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Salem at the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home.
What have you done to be part of Salem?
For the better part of the last 27 years it’s been an honor and privilege to serve with the Salem Police Department and the Salem Sheriff’s Office, I’ve worked hard to make the place I love…a safer place to live, a safe place to educate our children and a safe place for everyone to worship as they choose. I embrace all that Salem has to offer and attend many of the events and activities throughout the city.
How did you end up working for the City of Salem?
After a Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps, I applied with several law enforcement agencies. I worked
for the Virginia Department of Corrections until I was offered a position with the Salem Police Department. I worked for two outstanding Chiefs of Police and with numerous other outstanding leaders and Police Officers. I was able to see first hand how a professional law enforcement agency operates.
After retirement, Sheriff Atkins asked me to come work with the Salem Sheriff’s Office as a part time Deputy.
Why are you the right person to become the next Salem Sheriff?
I have the broadest range of experience among all the candidates (Military, Law Enforcement and Corrections). I possess very strong people skills. I have all the necessary
training and experience to provide the leadership the Sheriff’s Office is in need of today.
As a person who has been a trainer of new law enforcement personnel, I understand the human dynamics in our field, it’s this understanding that will help me bring the necessary changes. I know the commitment required of those who serve. I will lead by example in the spirit of servitude.
Having worked at the Salem Sheriff’s Office I know the strengths and abilities of most of the deputies and I can place them where they can be successful while also maximizing
their potential. The Sheriff’s Office has 12 employees, manpower limitations will and can
be handled by Supervisors getting out from behind their desks as needed and help the deputies accomplish the daily mission.
I am the right person to be the next Sheriff. I recognize that the most important function is
supporting the deputies by giving them the tools and training they need to succeed. I am a
man with integrity and ethics to do the job the way it should be done.
If elected Sheriff, what will be your top priority?
A breakdown in morale within the Sheriff’s Office is a high priority. When morale drops, service suffers, use of time off increases and employee turnover increases. We cannot afford to spend tax payers money recruiting, training and equipping new employees just to lose them because of ineffective leadership.
As Sheriff, I will create an environment where the deputies will feel valued and encouraged
to take ownership of the Sheriff’s Office.
What has been the most difficult part of campaigning for Sheriff and what does an
average week look like?
The hardest part for myself campaigning has been, I’m not an ” I ” or “me” type of person.
I am a “we” and a team person. Typical week for myself campaigning is going door-to-door
25-40 hours a week speaking with our citizens and listening to their concerns.
What was the happiest day of your life?
The birth of my son and daughter.
How would your friends describe you?
Positive attitude, very organized and responsible. They would also say I have a great sense of humor, very courageous and a great moral compass.
How has your experience prepared you to be a candidate for Salem Sheriff?
Growing up at the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, we had good mentors and they
instilled a work ethic that has carried myself throughout my life and career. We were
taught early that we were part of the children’s home family.
The United States Marine Corps motto is “God, Country, and Corps” and you are taught
that you are part of something bigger than yourself. The Marine Corps pride and patriotism
never goes away, you are a Marine for life. The Salem Police Department you learn
to have compassion and empathy towards other people. The Police Department takes servitude to a whole new level, and you remain professional even in the worst of times. Being married and having a family, I learned to be accountable and responsible for others.
-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin
