Dan Smith, incumbent Patrick County Sheriff, will seek a fourth term in office.
“I graciously ask for your support once again, as I seek re-election to continue to serve as the Sheriff of this great county,” Smith said in a news release.
Smith is proud of the accomplishments employees have made under his leadership.
Over the past four years, the office has continued its attack against drug dealers who plague the community by arresting more than 150, bringing the total arrested since 2008 to nearly 500.
Smith said that he will continue to be relentless in the fight against illegal drug distribution, which he describes as the number one factor in eroding the foundation of society. “It is the catalyst for nearly everything evil,” Smith said.
The sheriff’s office also was part of a multi-agency effort, led by Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Vipperman, to create the county’s first child advocacy center. The center will help promote safety and well being for all children, as well as aggressive prosecution against those who victimize children.
“This center’s establishment is a huge step in ensuring that no abused or neglected child will ever be overlooked,” Smith said.
Police/community relations nationally have been strained over the past few years, Smith said, adding that he feels the relationship his office shares with the citizens is stronger than ever. “We have a bond with those we serve that I have never seen anywhere else,” he said, adding he has always believed that bond begins with him.
Smith said he believes that citizens should have direct access to him.
“If any citizen ever needs me, day or night, they know that all they have to do is call me direct at 692 7012, I’m here for you.” Citizen trust in their law enforcement officers has to start at the top, he added.
A huge key to the office’s success has been hiring approachable and honest people who love Patrick County. Smith explained that when you hire people who genuinely want to invest themselves into this community, the rewards are abundant.
“Hiring the right people is paramount, and I believe our people treat citizens with the respect they deserve,” he said.
Transparency is also a key in fostering the solid relationship the sheriff’s office shares with the community.
During the last four years, the sheriff’s office was accredited for the second time. The accreditation process is the foundation for establishing transparency, according to Smith.
“The citizens have an expectation for this office to operate at the highest level of professionalism and transparency, our accredited status is proof to them that we are meeting that expectation.”
He added that transparency also means admitting fault and owning up to mistakes, “When we’re wrong, we’re wrong, and I will take full responsibility for it,” he said.
Smith, 46, said he has 24 years of experience. Even still, he said he feels like he is just getting started.
“We’ve got so much more to accomplish and I look forward to the years ahead.” Smith said, adding that he is humbled by the trust given to him by the people of Patrick County over the past eleven years.
“To serve the citizens of this county as their sheriff is a dream come true, and I thank the Lord every day for opening that door for me,” he added.
The son Sue Smith and the late J. Russell Smith, of Stuart, Smith is a 1990 graduate of Patrick County High School and a 1994 graduate of East Tennessee State University. He began his law enforcement career with the Chesterfield County Police Department in 1994. He was hired by the Martinsville Police Department in 1997 where he served as a K9 handler, patrol sergeant and tactical team commander. Smith was first elected sheriff in November of 2007. He and his wife, Amy, and sons Daniel and David, live in Patrick Springs.
