The five Republican candidates running for Caldwell County sheriff in the May primary participated in a Meet and Greet hosted by the Caldwell County Republican Executive Committee at the courthouse Tuesday night.
Chris Noel, Brent McDowell, Don Weedman, Steve Caldwell, and Keith Suits were provided three questions prior to the forum that included what qualifies the candidate to be sheriff, how they plan to address the serious drug problem in Caldwell County, and how they plan to participate with other law enforcement agencies. Each candidate was allowed a total of 15-minutes to respond.
The second candidate called to the podium was Brent McDowell who stated he has been in law enforcement for over 28 years. He has worked at the Princeton Police Department two different times — the last time as a K-9 officer — and he’s worked at other law enforcement agencies around the area.
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Currently, McDowell said his main thing is transporting prisoners all over the state as well other states.
In addition, McDowell has trained with the military on drug eradication, the DEA, and state police, and he noted he has what it takes to be the next sheriff.
If elected Sheriff, McDowell said he would like to get a K-9 officer and a K-9 dog to help address the serious drug problem in Caldwell County, which he noted K-9 unites are vital in McCracken County.
McDowell said he would work first with the people who are addicted to get help, if they want it, through the “Badges of Hope” program or other resources such as faith-based rehabilitation facilities.
He would also send deputies to drug schools to teach them how to stop vehicles and get the drugs out, and work at it 7 days a week, 365 days a year to get the drugs off the streets.
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McDowell added that anywhere he goes his radio is on K-Love and he talks, ministers and witnesses to those who get into his vehicle who are on drugs.
He stated he would also get with all the department heads of law enforcement in the city, surrounding counties and state police, and communicate so they can work together and do the best they can to get the drugs off the street.
The News Edge will have the responses to the questions from the other three Republican candidates running for sheriff in the coming days.
You can hear Brent McDowell’s complete answers to the questions by clicking on the audio below.
