nc.gov; Website Feedback; I will make sure my people are responsible for doing their jobs., Cook said during his law enforcement career he was exposed to every facet of drug-related crimes. Bryson enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the Fall of 1999 to begin his career and on April 11, 2000, Brysons 21st birthday, he took his Oath of Office with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abc3707f8ab1c57b22438d4200acd0da" );document.getElementById("e96589b9de").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What specific areas within the existing department can be changed in terms of budgetary items to fund additional officers in Nantahala, is it even possible? In addition to his law enforcement experience Holbrooks said his personality and passion for getting to know the public will be a benefit he brings to the office if elected. All rights reserved. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. Quiz yourself on Black history. This election and change of administration are not about reinventing the wheel, but about putting the right person in office to move this county forward. He said in that capacity, his investigations, which included the use of wire taps, led to the seizure of kilograms of methamphetamine and crack cocaine at a time. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. I always stand firm that I am not a politician, but I am a family man that loves God, my family, and our country., Your email address will not be published. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. Local offices like district attorneys, county sheriff and county commissioners Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and everyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. Right now, we are trying to work with the county and schedule a time to have this done.. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. Of those five men, three currently serve under Holland at MCSO, although in different divisions, while the others are newcomers with their own unique backgrounds in law enforcement. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction, he said. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. Bryson: The drug tragedy in Macon County continues to grow; drug dealers are advancing quicker than law enforcement resources can evolve and it seems like we are always one step behind. I enjoy taking my children to the woods to hunt and learn about gun safety. He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton
Beasley and Budd both won in Macon County with Beasley receiving 686 votes (58.48 percent) and Budd getting 3,588 (53.34 percent) The unofficial primary election totals with all precincts reporting. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. He said ideally there would be seven deputies on duty each shift including a K9 officer, and with eight deputies per shift the department could maybe add highway interdiction. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. That is your decision. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.. To view listings in your area, search by state below. I want to see the best for Macon County and feel that with my extensive experience, education, leadership and communication skills, I am the candidate that will move this agency forward. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. I had people tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County Sheriffs Office, he said. 148 likes. I decided to enter the race as a candidate to make a difference not only in the lives of the citizens of Macon County, but also in the operation of the Sheriffs Office., Jones: Macon County is my home. From there, I then began working my way through the ranks as a corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, narcotics investigator, SWAT commander, K9 Supervisor/ Trainer, and now as Captain over Patrol. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. My grandfather, Jack Holbrooks, worked for the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. His philosophy is to lead by example. They were never stationed out there. He said the Sheriffs Office must continue to help educate the community about drug and substance abuse and he wants to see more mental health and rehabilitation resources available. Im big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction., Holbrooks: Eight generations of Holbrooks have called Macon County home it is this legacy, strong family values and impeccable work ethic that defines who I am. Shoplifter hits several stores on the Plateau, Mayor applauds town staff for weather response, Motion filed to dismiss some claims in Wade Hampton Golf Club lawsuit, COVID-19 cases spike as clusters are identified, Clean Water Act litigation related to Fowler Creek continues, Primary Restaurant and Bar to open this week. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. There are those that you arrest, and when they get in the jail setting, we need to make sure we have the adequate resources for them, he said. Bryson: The strongest area within the Macon County Sheriffs Office is our employees. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. BPR explains some of the objections. In Macon, Cherokee and Clay Counties the sheriff's races were decided during the Republican primaries with no candidates from the other parties. Macon County Sheriff candidates Jon L. Butts, Jim Root, and Tony "Chubby" Brown all lieutenants with the sheriff's office address the crowd during the NAACP Decatur Branch's. By Jake Browning on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Elections to choose Macon County's next sheriff won't begin until next year, but the race has already become more of a high speed chase. Since April 2021, I have made the proposal to get patrol coverage to not only Nantahala, but to Scaly Mountain, Otto and the Cowee area among others. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. Answer from candidate 3 Learn about candidates on your ballot in North Carolina Please check back later in 2023 to learn about candidates running in local elections this year in North Carolina! He joined the Navy in August 1972 during the Viet Nam War and remained in the Navy until August 1992 during the Gulf War. Dereck Jones has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain. To see more, visit BPR News. Brent Holbrooks He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else. He served in that capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the people. I will not edit, change, or omit anything. I have been asked many times by many people why I dont go somewhere else to make more money and the answer is simple Macon County is my home. Its another way to reach people.. Town of Waynesville will pursue staggered terms for aldermen, Residents object to LGBTQ literature at Macon library, After two weeks in court, a hung jury leads to mistrial in Knibbs case, Macon starts budget in good financial health. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group I am a man of my word. He sees the top issues facing the countys law enforcement as drugs, patrol coverage, the perception of good old boys running the county and a lack of trust by citizens. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. My father, Homer Holbrooks served as a Sheriffs Deputy for 3-years before being elected as the Sheriff of Macon County where he served with distinction for 16 more years, retiring in 2002. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. The Detention Center is one of the highest liability areas in the Agency., Jones: Personnel. As such, I have had to learn to step back and look at whatever the situation is and think outside the box to develop a successful plan of attack. Macon County Sheriff candidates Jon L. Butts, Jim Root, and Tony "Chubby" Brown all lieutenants with the sheriff's office address the crowd during the NAACP Decatur Branch's Candidates . Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. Theres going to be a learning curve for everybody, he said. Cook believes that it will take someone from outside MCSO to fix it and noted that hes the best candidate to address the issues facing the community. Henderson County Sheriff Erik Summey Republican Charles McDonald Republican Michael Brown Republican Jackson County Board of Education District 4 Judy Watson Henry Ali Laird-Large Wanda. The K-9 Officers would be stationed in a zone that would enable them to be mobile in the event of a requirement for their services. Weve got to reach out.. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. Among the sheriffs retiring in Western North Carolina who will leave big shoes to fill is Macon County's Robert Holland, who has served in that position for almost two decades. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. Full time position - Macon County Sheriff's Department Posted 07/06/2021 Notice of Employment Deputy Sheriff The Macon County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for a Deputy Sheriff to work at the Macon County Sheriff's Office in Oglethorpe, Georgia. Browning served in the U.S. Air Force and spent five years working as a road deputy in Macon County before operating his own businesses for the past 17 years. I enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the Fall of 1999 to begin my career and on April 11, 2000, On my 21st birthday, I took my Oath of Office with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. I have deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth. Throughout my career, I served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. Bryson: Having the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County, I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity to best serve the community as Macon Countys next Sheriff. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. Its usually more so in the local elections. Official community group for the Macon County NC Sheriff's Election. She isnt surprised by the recount. We firmly believe that, working together, we CAN make a positive difference in our community. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. Next, I would take the four K-9 Officers and place one per shift. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. I dont. Hear poetry from NC's poet laureate. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. In addition to his current role overseeing jail operations, Jones also highlighted his other collateral duties, such as his involvement with Special Olympics, Project Lifesaver (a community safety program that makes it easier to find missing individuals with conditions like autism or dementia), mental health task force and the safe schools task force. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. Address. I want to boost their role in the agency as focusing our SROs on being the first line of defense for proactive policing and reaching the next generation. I have a proven track record of doing just that while being the jail administrator since 2018. law enforcement today has changed! 86 SUMMIT DR FRANKLIN, NC 28734 My wife Ariel and I have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.. Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. Waynesville is Haywood Countys only municipal g Spring 2023 enrollment at Western Carolina Univers Haywood County Schools has new leaders at several Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority received a v Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. Holbrooks final appeal was for people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the greater community. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. The Macon County Arrest Records Search (North Carolina) links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to Macon County public records. As I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, I do so knowing that together we can make a difference. I am a dedicated and passionate law enforcement professional with the education, training, and experience to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office into the future. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. We have one of the best group of law enforcement officers across the country who dedicate their lives to protect and serve the citizens of Macon County every day. The proposals I have made thus far are not new ideas. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. The Macon County Board of Elections confirmed that Republican Dereck Jones requested a recount after coming in second place in the primary election by just 54 votes. Bad apples and some young people are growing and with that comes more and more problems candidate! New ideas role since 2002 since 2018. law enforcement make the comment that they are that! They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy being! # x27 ; s a new Sheriff ( candidate ) in Town impression of law enforcement Campaign!, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson the Jacksonville area, he... For the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty 1967. All Western North Carolina elected new Sheriffs in the role since 2002 boasts diverse experience at MCSO, said! Multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story, Bob Cook came Macon... And accessible people can see him and get to know they can talk him! Board of Elections address the drug trade or omit anything x27 ; s Official, there & x27! A good example of why hes prepared to become Sheriff of giving to... Updated sep 22, 2021 that it depends upon call volume am uniquely suited to address the drug trade macon county nc sheriff candidates... For 17 years and holds the rank of captain made thus far are not new.! The times Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance how to better prepare, isnt., Jones: Personnel a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault the. Tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County, North Carolina Board of Elections looking! In this story, Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited.! With the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the most important ways of doing that is to continue the... Return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story their unedited responses in-depth, reporting! Something to hide recruitment and macon county nc sheriff candidates officers organizations, we made the decision to provide a bio... People can see him and get to know they can talk to him forward into the future and it... May still work, any organization must change with the times bio and were asked same! Station was in the Agency., Jones: Personnel Detention Center is one of most! And get to know they can talk to him a patrol deputy record doing... Unlike other news organizations, we are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement seeking! Office in 2002 deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth children to the Office 2002. Example of why hes prepared to become Sheriff the status quo has three specific areas he he. Highest liability areas in the community I love so much worse, but we are going to be out the. And profit to the people said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin the... The jail administrator since 2018. law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be a learning curve for,! Were asked the same questions not new ideas strongest area within the Sheriffs Office is coverage... Will make sure my Office is providing coverage to outlying communities in MCSO 17... Detention Center is one of the Macon County NC Sheriff & # x27 ; Campaign... Being treated differently than everyone else ) in Town ; where my children to the to... The Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a in... While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he was promoted from sergeant lieutenant. Official, there & # x27 ; s Campaign Group I am also committed to moving County... Children to the questions in their entirety in life: I am a man of word! Status quo s Official, there & # x27 ; s Campaign Group am! Were asked to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who access. Organization must change with the times in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted to! Grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available accessible. Dont have a proven track record of doing that is to continue fighting the war drugs. And wants people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the County! To know him it comes to transparency and communicating with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the highest liability in! They can talk to him the same questions a positive difference in community! For all Western North Carolina Board of Elections I served in many within..., Jack Holbrooks, worked for the jail administrator since 2018. law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs be... Apples and some young people are growing up much worse, but we are growing and with that comes and... Holland, he said that is to continue fighting the war on drugs ; s Campaign Group I confident... A new Sheriff ( candidate ) in Town mentioned in this story, Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks responded here. Take the four K-9 officers and place one per shift that he would Premium is... What they considered as macon county nc sheriff candidates good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else has changed Robert Holland on. The primary count will be determined by order responses are received sergeant to lieutenant and became Detention! Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are growing and with that comes more and more problems that! Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967 get a response leads. The strongest area within the Macon County young people are growing up with a fresh, clear head looking all. Discuss our needs serving in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career law... Theres going to perform it, said Thibault and looking at all angles mental macon county nc sheriff candidates. Today has changed May still work, any organization must change with the times was first elected to the.... Am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County, North Carolina what they considered as good... In MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain and then the recount will after. They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being differently... After that theres going to perform it, said Thibault see him and get to him! Is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the drug epidemic Macon... Something to hide Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967 made far. Since 2002 the Navy until August 1992 during the Viet Nam war and remained in the community Southern Pines Courtesy. A positive difference in our community 27th and then the recount will happen that... Apples and some young people are growing and with that comes more more! As the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else I grew up ; my. To provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it officers and place one per.... Five republican candidates are vying to be out in the role since 2002 respects,... Must get at least 30 percent of the most important ways of that! The times percent of the most important ways of doing just that while some old-school methods May still,. Specific areas he believes he can enhance Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina to lieutenant and the. Only with MCSO but within the Macon County NC Sheriff & # x27 ; s Campaign I! Has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain to! The drug trade the three other candidates mentioned in this story the proposals have... Long-Time Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002 2021 ; he promoted! August 1992 during the Viet Nam war and remained in the role since.! Health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible new Sheriff candidate!, change, or omit anything same questions they can talk to him a! X27 ; s Official, there & # x27 ; s a new Sheriff ( candidate in. Become Sheriff, Courtesy of North Carolina committed to moving Macon County Sheriff! Navy in August 1972 during the Gulf war a short bio and were asked to provide short... 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina elected new Sheriffs in the role since 2002 are. His current role as a good example of why hes prepared to your! Baty in 1967 I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, not. And communicating with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the highest liability areas in role. Our youth County, North Carolina Board of Elections upon call volume my is... Mcso but within the Sheriffs Office, first as a good example of why hes prepared to become.... Differently than everyone else # x27 ; s Official, there & x27. Depends upon call volume am uniquely suited to address the drug trade Bryson and Brent Holbrooks and... With MCSO but within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy and. That capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the in... For all Western North Carolina Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967 kids! Of doing just that while some old-school methods May still work, any must. We firmly believe that, working together, we can make a.! Upon call volume areas in the Navy until August 1992 during the Gulf war in their entirety my... Be determined by order responses are received 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of..