A. I grew up in neighboring Greensville County and graduated from high school there back in 1980. After graduation I was looking for a job and I heard that Sussex County Jail had an opening and I applied and was hired. I have lived in Sussex County now for the past 25 years. Two of the most important events of my life occurred in the early 80's. Sheriff Kitchen hired me as a Deputy Sheriff, and I married my wife Charlette. We have been married for the past 23 years and have two children, a boy and a girl. My Son Tyler is 18 and is a freshman at Morehead College. Our daughter Ariel is now 12 and is active in her school activities.

A. Well, between the added responsibilities I have assumed since being appointed Sheriff and spending quality time with my wife and kids, very little time is left. (laughs) I am a member of Baltimore Baptist Church and attend as often as possible.

A. Church was always a big part of my growing up years. I would have to say that the things I personally value are many of the things taught in Sunday School: honesty, integrity, the value of a person's word. Not only are principles important, but equally important is a person's attitude. Being secure in knowing who you are and what you stand for creates a realistic world view.

A. Back at the beginning, in 1982 I graduated from Crater Criminal Justice Basic Jailor Academy, and shortly afterward went back and graduated from the Police Academy. I went from working in the jail to working patrol duty. I came up through the ranks as Corporal, then Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. The Captain's position is as the Chief Deputy, which is the highest rank in our department. The Chief Deputy works directly with the Sheriff, and in his absence, is in charge of the department in all matters.

A. Through the years, the Sheriff's Office has evolved from a paper serving, basic law enforcement entity into a full service community oriented agency. We have grown with the times. Being an active part of implementing the DARE program in our county schools, helping to establish the School Resource Officers program, putting into place a modern security system in our courthouse are just a few of the things I have done.

A. Obviously my first goal is to be elected as our Sheriff this November. We have already made history in that I am the first American of African descent to be Sheriff in Sussex County. When Sheriff Kitchen retired after 27 years of outstanding community service in August 2007 I was appointed to fulfill his term. Being appointed to a position, however deserving the person may be is not the same as being elected by your fellow citizens. I want to be a Sheriff that the people can be proud of, that they can rely on, that they can know has their best interest at heart. Now I am asking our voters to affirm me as their Sheriff by casting their vote for me November 6th.

A. Our county is largely rural. Our heritage includes things like farming, logging, hunting, fishing. Our local newspaper has pork, pines and peanuts in their logo. The Sheriff's office has a part in protecting and insuring that our way of life survives into the 21st century. For example, important to us is preventing vandalism to farm and logging equipment. When something is stolen, it is our job to recover the items if possible and prosecute those who do not respect personal property. Hunting and fishing is regulated in our modern world. That is why the state has a fish and game agency. But regulating something can insure that it does not get outlawed by being abused. We do not want our forests to become barren of game or our streams and rivers devoid of fish through unregulated hunting or fishing. One of the basic rights guaranteed by our constitution is very important. That is the right to bear arms, which is contained in the 2nd amendment. Our department is active in issuing proper concealed weapons permits to honest law abiding citizens.

A. Our children are our future. Such a simple statement, yet it is the one basic truth upon which everything else is based. We all will be gone someday. Who will carry on after us? What will they be like? Will they cherish our values and way of life, or will they turn their backs on us? Well, no one can predict the future, but by protecting our children, by giving them the best education available, by teaching them our values, our way of life, that is all we can do to shape the future. Keeping our children safe, protecting them from criminals and predators, from reckless drivers, from drugs and other destructive things will give them a chance to mold their own futures for the better.

A. Number one, we would like to continue our policy of zero tolerance for drugs. Drugs have destroyed a whole generation of our young people, even in this county. We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent just because everywhere we look- TV, magazines, music, celebrities, they all seem to paint a picture that drug use is somehow okay. Take a tour of our jail and see how many lives have been affected by use of illegal drugs or abuse of legal substances. Because of the addicting nature of drugs, other crimes are committed- stealing, violence, disrespect for parents, and all kinds of antisocial behaviors.

A. My answer is simple: Dependability, responsibility, consistency, and longevity. I am still here, still active, still involved in our department. I have been here through thick and thin. I have stayed the course when others left for many reasons. My heart has always been with our department, Sussex County Sheriff's Office. And as a relatively young man, I have many more years to devote to the job I enjoy, to the profession that I have chosen, and more importantly, has chosen me.

A. To my staff, I would like to first thank them sincerely and often for the hard work they do. Deputy Sheriffs are the workers who assist the Sheriff in fulfilling his duty. The jail staff help keep our county safe from those who do not respect others. My support staff keeps the business of running the daily operations going smoothly. Every one has a part in making our job of serving the public successful. And to our Sussex citizens, the voters, I would like to say I am asking for your support, for you to trust me to do the job I have prepared for so long to do. Your support, your trust, will be valued, respected, and rewarded. Thank you for the opportunity to express some of the things which are very dear to my heart.