DECATUR, Tenn. – Longtime Decatur Police Chief Jackie Melton is challenging 28-year Meigs County Sheriff Walter Hickman for the Republican nomination for sheriff.
Since there’s no Democrat in the race, the winner of the May 4 primary will become sheriff.
Decatur Mayor Bill James said he has worked closely with both men through the years.
“They are both well qualified (with) the training and knowledge they have,” said
With 28 years experience in his position, Sheriff Hickman said he has worked hard to raise the level of service in the county.
“Our 911 dispatch system is brand new,” he said. “We have school resource officers in all the schools.”
He said he has tried to provide respectful law enforcement to the public, and he thinks he is more experienced then his opponent.
“Being the county sheriff is different then being over a city police department,” he said. “There are a lot more challenges for the duties of the sheriff.”
The sheriff’s office oversees the daily operations of the county jail and dispatch services, provides court officers to the courthouse, patrols the county and serves court papers.
But Chief Melton said his 35 years of law enforcement experience has prepared him to head the sheriff’s department.
MEIGS SHERIFF CANDIDATESName: Walter HickmanAge: 62Hometown: Georgetown, Tenn.Experience: 28 years as sheriff, 30 years in law enforcementFamily: Married for 42 years ; two children, five grandchildrenEducation: Graduated from Meigs County High School, attended Cleveland State Community CollegeName: Jackie MeltonAge: 59Hometown: Decatur, Tenn.Experience: 29 years as police chief, 35 years in law enforcementFamily: Married for 40 years ; two children, two grandchildrenEducation: Graduated from Meigs County High School, attended Cleveland State Community College
“This hasn’t been a spur-of-the moment decision,” he said. “It’s been one of my goals when I started in a law enforcement career.”
Under his leadership, the Decatur Police Department has grown from two officers to a five-person staff that provides 24-hour coverage, he said.
Chief Melton said he believes the public should have more access to the sheriff’s department.
“If elected sheriff, I will be an on-the-job working sheriff,” he said. “I feel like the people (are) ready for a change.”
In January, the Meigs County Courthouse was burglarized and $15,000 in tax money was stolen. Both Sheriff Hickman and Chief Melton said they want to install video cameras to boost security in the building.
“Getting the funding is the main thing,” Sheriff Hickman said.
A proposal was sent TO county commissioners to first set up a camera system, then provide an officer when the courthouse is open, he said.
Chief Melton said if elected, he will propose a plan to budget enough funds to buy cameras and use available staff to man the courthouse.
“I’ll work closely with (the county) to improve the security,” he said.