Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff. I am humbled that you continue to put your faith in me and the men and women of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor and pleasure to serve Blount County, and it is my sincere hope you will allow me to continue as your Sheriff.

The past few years since the last election have flown by, and it’s time for me to kick off my campaign for the 2026 election. The climate in this country has changed drastically both politically and socially over the past few years. Over the last two decades, we have witnessed a shift in public sentiment toward law enforcement across the country, but in Blount County, the support, encouragement, and prayers from our citizens has never foundered.

Sadly, our faith was tested on February 8, 2024 when Deputy Greg McCowan was tragically gunned down during a traffic stop, and his partner was wounded by gunfire during the incident. The suspect drove off and went into hiding, and for five days, law enforcement from local, state, and federal agencies came together for a five day manhunt for the suspect. I made a promise to Deputy McCowan’s family the day after he was killed – we would capture the suspect before his burial. On the fifth day, the brave members of the Sheriff’s SWAT team, along with our law enforcement partners, found an arrested the suspect.  Our faith was put to a test again on June 11, 2024 when an unstable man opened fire on two deputies after they responded to a residence on a welfare check of an elderly woman. The man fired hundreds of rounds at the deputies from inside the residence. The deputies utilized their training and skills and by the mercy of God they escaped with minor injuries. That day, I witnessed many brave deputies run into the line of fire to rescue the two deputies and the elderly woman who was trapped inside the house with the gunman. I was incredibly proud of all of our deputies that day. Unfortunately, we experienced another critical incident on December 28, 2025 when Deputy Justin Mowery was killed in the line of duty as the result of an automobile crash.

Through each of these events, our deputies came together, just as a family comes together during tragedies. “Proud” is not a sufficient enough word to use in regard to all of our deputies, and I am extremely blessed that they allow me to lead them.

Anyone who has lived in Blount County knows that we are in the midst of a population boom, but I want to reassure you that the Blount County Sheriff’s Office is ready. We are ready and alert for what might possibly be on the horizon. Your Sheriff’s Office is managed by experience, dedication, character, integrity, transparency, and honesty. Our men and women have always exemplified those traits, and I will continue to guide the Sheriff’s Office with a steady hand. I humbly ask for your continued support.

It has been my experience that to mount a successful campaign, we must have the support of our citizens. Therefore, I am pleased to announce I will be hosting a kick-off reception at The Showroom at Five Points, located at 1529 E. Broadway Avenue, Maryville from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. I hope you will be able to attend this event for fellowship and food.

My commitment to keeping the citizens of Blount County safe hasn’t wavered. In fact, it’s gotten stronger. Now is not the time for change. I’ve had the pleasure of serving our citizens with strength and pride, and I’m humbly asking you for your continued support to maintain and strengthen law and order as this county continues to grow and prosper.