Overton County Sheriff John Garrett secured a decisive victory to continue his service as the county’s top law enforcement official after receiving 64 percent of the vote.
Garrett said the election results represent a significant win that allows him to maintain his current role within the community. Garrett said he intends to focus on his duties as sheriff rather than pursuing other leadership positions within the county government.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” Garrett said. “I mean, throughout the campaign process. It does feel good, and to win with our numbers, it really makes me feel good.”
Garrett said his approach to the office relies on maintaining a consistent presence and being truthful with the citizens of the county. Garrett said these values of honesty and reliability are reflected throughout the entire sheriff’s department.
Garrett said he and opponent Ray Smith have a professional history that spans more than two decades in local law enforcement. Garrett said their respective roles in municipal and county agencies required them to work alongside one another frequently.
“Ray and I have worked around each other for over 24 years,” Garrett said. “And I’ve never— we’ve never had any issues working around each other. And we work together, of course, him being with the city, me being with the county. So, you know, I’ve never had any issues with that. We’ve never had any issues and we’ve always worked well together.”
Garrett said the department will continue its current operations while seeking out modern methods to enhance its service to the community. Garrett said the opportunity to remain in the role is a point of pride for his administration.
“We’re going to keep on keeping on,” Garrett said. “We’re going to look for new ways to improve what we have been doing. And we’re just proud that we’re able to serve the citizens of Overton County.”
