“Schmidt for Sheriff” – that’s new newest Dickens County Sheriff campaign sign spotted around town after Saturday’s “Coffee and Questions” session sponsored by the candidate and attended by numerous engaged citizens at the Spur Community Center.
Jerry Schmidt introduced his mission of serving as a constitutional sheriff at the Q & A–based forum.
For those unfamiliar with the movement, which Schmidt said is gaining strength and support across Texas, a constitutional sheriff is exactly what it sounds like — law enforcement based on protecting citizens according to the Bill of Rights provided in the U.S. Constitution. Basically, it means bringing law enforcement to a local level – by listening and abiding by the rights and concerns of the constituents who vote to elect the Sheriff.
“Community involvement goes a long way towards curtailing illegal activity” such as the growing drug problem in Dickens County, said Schmidt, a problem he sees as the number one priority for the new sheriff. “That’s just the first step,” Schmidt said.
In conjunction with local police, Schmidt believes the only way to curtail and push away the criminal element is to educate and involve the community; provide more (and better) education and motivation for both local and county law enforcement bodies; and most important, to work together to keep the community
and have lived in Spur for 24 years, making it home for their two sons— and now their families. He has held positions on the Spur city council, the Spur Housing Authority board, and the Spur Volunteer Fire Department.
He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years as well as with the Texas Air National Guard for 9, including 4 tours of duty to the Middle East. As a 14-year Texas DPS Highway Patrol trooper who retired in 2021, he is currently serving Dickens County as a volunteer ambulance driver with EMS.
At the gathering, Schmidt expressed that he believes firmly in his ability to lead and improve the DCSO and to be a strong and trusted presence among the residents of Dickens County. He embraces the prayerful consideration of many friends and family that led him to follow the direction he’s been shown, he said, and hopes for the opportunity to be an impactful and successful leader for the office of County Sheriff.
Another gathering is in the planning process, Schmidt said—“likely a potluck or lunch in Dickens in the next couple of weeks.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
