What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment is the success of my career. I have been dedicated to the Salem Sheriff’s Office for 14 years and am currently second in command of the office. I am very proud to say that I have worked from the bottom of the ranks to achieve such a prestigious position as Chief Deputy, and to now be seeking election as the next Sheriff for the City of Salem.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Buena Vista, Virginia, but I have lived here in Salem for most of my adult life. I am proud to call Salem my home.
What are some of the ways you have sought to become a part of the Salem community?
I take pride in the work that I do for the citizens of Salem, but I also enjoy volunteering in the community. I am actively involved with Special Olympics as a coach and partner, enjoy volunteering for the Parks and Rec Department, the Rotary Club of Salem, and the Needlework Guild and regularly attend events throughout the city as a Salem resident myself. I have found in my life that you get what you give so I believe in being an active participant in all that Salem has to offer.
How did you end up working for the Salem Sheriff’s Office?
I moved to Salem in 2001 with only my car and clothing. I began working a temporary job with the City of Salem Beautification Department and then full-time with the Street Department. I was struggling to make ends meet financially. I was given an application for the position of Deputy Sheriff at the Salem Sheriff’s Office. My first reaction was amazement! I had no idea what the job entailed nor did I think I had a chance at being hired. Fourteen years later, I am so thankful for that person’s insight!
Why are you the right person to become the next Salem Sheriff?
I am a strong, hard working woman, who is determined to succeed. I have served the citizens of Salem as a Deputy Sheriff for the last 14 years. I have been guided by many great leaders throughout my career, and have prepared to win this election. I am the only candidate currently working in the office to which they hope to be elected. I am the only candidate that understands every aspect of the Salem Sheriff’s Office operations from the ground up. I am the only candidate that knows our limitations on manpower, because there are only 12 of us, and how that affects our daily operations. I am the accreditation manager of the office and ensure that our office complies with standards that require professionalism in all that we do. Current Salem Sheriff, Ric Atkins, endorses my candidacy because he believes I am the best person for the job. I believe I am the best person for the job because I love this office, our staff, and what we stand for! This office matters to me and I want to make us even better than we currently are.
What are some of the services that the Salem Sheriff’s Office provides?
Our mission is to provide courtroom/courthouse security, civil process and transportation of persons in custody. Courthouse security begins at the front door as we screen each person for weapons. Courtroom security is provided to ensure that all persons attending court are kept safe to include court staff, inmates, and the public. Service of civil process includes, but is not limited to, subpoenas, garnishments, unlawful detainers, and levies. We provide inmate transportation to and from court, doctors appointments, extradition from other states, transfers from jail to jail, as well as transportation for persons with mental illness who have been ordered to temporary detention. Our office operates Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, maintaining callback for any necessary transports after normal business hours.
What was the happiest day of your life?
I’ve had a lot of happy days in my life, and most relate to my family. However, career wise, the happiest day of my life was the day the Sheriff asked me to be his Chief Deputy. At the time, I was the Sergeant in charge of front-line supervision. I’m pretty good at reading people but on this day the Sheriff kept it cool and gave no clues. He waited until after all other employees had left for the day to tell me. I became overwhelmed with emotion, feeling grateful for the opportunity.
How would your friends describe you?
I think my friends would describe me as genuine, honest, dependable and loyal. They would tell you that I am a person they would call for help, even if we had not spoken in years.
What does an average week look like for you as the second in command in the Salem Sheriff’s Office?
No one week looks the same as another. My job is mostly administrative in nature; meetings within our own agency and with our partner agencies, accreditation, managing the print media of the office, trainings, personnel matters, and working with the Sheriff and our colleagues to run the day to day operations of the courthouse.
If you could go back and give an 18-year-old April some advice, what would you say?
Never lose sight of who you are, and don’t be afraid to share that with others. Be tough. The world can be cruel, life is certainly hard, and your patience will always be tested. Take a deep breath. Love your family with all your heart. Learn to slow down and enjoy the moment.
-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin
