Texas County sheriff James Sigman has filed for re-election.
Sigman, who was elected into office in November 2012, has close to 10 months remaining in his first term.
“I truly enjoy my job,” Sigman said. “Serving the people of Texas County, working for and with them is very important to me. I feel like I am where I belong. When my family and I first talked about me running for sheriff four years ago, I knew that was what I was suppose to do. Law enforcement is where I belong.”
Sigman is a Cabool resident serving his second stint with the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. He previously served 14 years with the Cabool Police Department and was a deputy in the mid 1990s under sheriff Johnny Vandiver.
“I feel good about my first term. I learned a lot,” Sigman said. “I learn something everyday. I have a very good, hard-working staff. There have been many changes made that I feel were important. We have added two deputies, one is a road deputy and the other is a detective position. All bailiffs in the court are certified officers. We are slowly improving the fleet of vehicles that our deputies drive. This will increase their safety and also helps with the maintenance budget. We are working with a new health care company that will save the taxpayers money and provide better healthcare for the inmates. The equipment for the officers has improved –– with updated ballistic vests, uniforms, lights, duty weapons and more –– and improvements in security at the jail and justice center have increased.
“And with the help of the Texas County Master Gardeners, we were able to start a high tunnel greenhouse for growing produce year-round and offering inmates the opportunity to give back to the community by working in the high tunnel and growing produce used for the jail.”