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My Stance

I want to be Sheriff of Howard County because I believe leadership matters. The Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe, and I want to ensure we continue to serve with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to the people of Howard County.

I also recognize that I would not be where I am today without the hard work of those who came before me. I deeply appreciate the leadership of past sheriffs and the dedication of every deputy, corrections officer, court security officer, dispatcher and support staff who has helped shape this department into what it is today. I especially want to thank Sheriff Asher for the opportunities he has given me throughout my career. His leadership has been instrumental in preparing me for this next step.

I have spent my career in every facet of law enforcement, working my way up through the ranks in corrections, 911 dispatch and patrol. I have seen firsthand what works and what needs improvement. My goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to build on the strong foundation that is already in place while adapting to the challenges ahead. Law enforcement is constantly changing, and we need leadership that can balance tradition with progress, honoring what has made this department strong while ensuring we are prepared for the future.

One of the biggest projects we are undertaking right now is the construction of a new jail. This is a major investment in the future of public safety in Howard County, and I have been involved in the jail committee since day one. I have firsthand knowledge of every phase of planning, from design to implementation, and I understand the operational challenges we will face during the transition. When the time comes to move into the new facility, we need leadership that has been there from the start. Someone who understands not just the building itself but how to ensure a smooth transition for both our staff and those in our custody. My experience puts me in the best position to make that transition as seamless and efficient as possible while keeping public safety and fiscal responsibility at the forefront.

Leadership is not just about making decisions, it is about building a team. I am a firm believer in teamwork and camaraderie. No one person can be successful without a strong, cohesive team that is dedicated to the mission. A sheriff is only as effective as the men and women they serve alongside. That is why I want to foster an environment where our deputies, corrections officers, court security officers, dispatchers and support staff feel valued, respected, and motivated to give their best every day. We are stronger together, and when we work as a unified team with a shared sense of purpose, we can accomplish incredible things for this county.

Being sheriff is not just about enforcing laws; it is about serving people. I have been deeply involved in this community, not just in law enforcement but in schools, events, and outreach programs. I want to strengthen the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the people we serve, making sure we are accessible, transparent, and working alongside the community—not just policing it. A sheriff should be someone the community can trust, someone who listens, and someone who understands that true public safety is a partnership between law enforcement and the people we protect.

At the same time, I know that public safety is always evolving, and I want to make sure Howard County stays ahead of the curve. Whether it’s better training, new technology, or smarter resource allocation, I want to ensure our department is as effective and efficient as possible. That also means addressing one of the biggest challenges in law enforcement today: recruitment and retention. I want to continue to build a department that people want to work for, one that values its officers, provides strong leadership, and supports them so they can do their jobs effectively. A strong sheriff’s office does not just benefit the men and women who wear the badge, it benefits every resident of this county.

Becoming a law enforcement officer where I was raised is one of my proudest achievements. This is my home, and I care about it. I want to make sure Howard County is a place where families feel safe, where officers feel supported, and where law enforcement is respected. I am not running for sheriff because I need a title. I am running because I want to make a difference. I want to leave this department better than I found it, to give back to the community that has given me so much, and to ensure that every person who puts on this uniform knows they are part of something bigger than themselves. Public service has never been about personal gain for me, it is about responsibility, service beyond self, and a calling to lead.

That is why I am running for Sheriff of Howard County.

 


Paid for by the Committee to Elect Buckley for Sheriff
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