Editor’s note: Licking Police Chief Scott Lindsey said late Tuesday morning, he will seek the Republican nomination for Texas County sheriff. Here is his statement.
I’m pleased to announce that I will be seeking the Republican nomination for Texas County Sheriff in the special election; however I take no joy in the circumstances that have led to need for the county to conduct a special election. The citizens of Texas County demand integrity and trust from their sheriff. Through transparency, hard work and leading by example, I will attempt to restore the faith of Texas County citizens in their elected sheriff. I realize that, if selected, this faith will not be bestowed upon me by title alone, it will have to be earned based on results. As our county moves forward from difficult times, I feel I can provide the leadership necessary to overcome this challenge. If I am selected for this position I will bring experience, education and integrity to the office of sheriff.
I am 41 years old and reside in Licking with my wife of 18 years Mandy along with our son Carson and daughter Teagan. I have been employed with the Licking Police Department for the last 20 years, including the last 11.5 years as chief of police. I have also been commissioned as a reserve deputy sheriff for the past 20 years, serving two stints as a paid part-time deputy under Sheriffs Dean Belshe and Carl Watson. I was raised in Cabool and I am a graduate of Cabool High School and have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Drury University. I received my law enforcement certification from the Drury University law enforcement academy instructed by the Springfield Police Department.
I am a lifelong resident of Texas County and my family has owned several successful businesses in the Cabool area. Mandy and I are members of the Licking Christian Church where I serve on the church board as a deacon. I am on the board of directors for the South Central Drug Task Force and the vice chairperson of the Texas County Emergency Services (911) Board. I am a member of the National Rifle Association and the Missouri Police Chief’s Association.
I believe in a proactive sheriff’s department and have a plan to decrease response times to calls for service and have more visible active patrols in rural areas of the county. I will also implement changes to the budget to improve the quality of training and salary compensation for the jail staff with a goal of attracting and keeping well trained professional employees. I will work with all surrounding law enforcement agencies including sharing resources, information and use team work to solve cases. I will pursue grants to maintain and improve equipment available to deputies. I will value the input of all citizens and plan to hold community meetings in all areas of the county to receive information about the needs of those I would serve. Last but not least I would work closely with the rural schools located in the county to improve safety and security.
While I wish this announcement was made during different circumstances, I am ready, willing and able to serve as the next sheriff of Texas County. There is a tremendous challenge that lies ahead, but this challenge can be overcome through hard work and honesty.