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Editor,

I began working for the Isle Of Wight County Sheriff’s Office in 1977, retiring in 2008.

I was afforded many opportitunities from three different sheriffs to work as a patrol deputy, school resource officer, K-9, narcotics and lieutenant of investigations among many others. I returned in 2010 in a part-time status as training cooridinator and courts deputy till this day.

As you can see I’ve worn many hats here. ‘ve also had the pleasure of working for and most importantly learning from three differnt sheriffs over the past 40 years: B.F. Dixon, C.W. Phelps and M.A. Marshall.

Starting with only eight patrol deputies for the entire county you quickly learned how to treat and be fair with people. Talking with and not to someone, demonstrating true concern for people, showing that you care for their situation and working with them to resolve it are just a few of the things I learned from these men and are some of the traits I see in James Pope.

Not only does a good sheriff need to work for and with the citizens of this county he or she has to work for and with their employees. Among many other things I’ve learned from these men is that a good sheriff can not lead by commanding someone. A good sheriff leads by example. Their honesty, intergrity, knowledge of the job and their profesionalism. I see these in James Pope every day.

Many of the things I’ve learned from my first three sheriffs, have been and are being demonstrated on a daily basis over the past several years by James Pope. His honest desire to lead this office and protect the citizens of this county is of most importance to him.

I see the potential for James Pope to be one of the best sheriffs in the history of Isle Of Wight County. He is the candidate to lead the Isle Of Wight Sheriff’s Office into a safe future.

Please join me on July 24 in voting for Pope for sheriff.

 

Randy Gardner

Deputy Sheriff

Isle Of Wight County Sheriff’s Office

Carrsville