With the many problems our county is faced with at the present time, it is imperative that the citizens of Robeson County elect a sheriff who has the administrative skills and law enforcement background to lead our Sheriff’s Office.

Hello, my name is Randy Graham and I am ready to meet those challenges. My faith in Christ is what keeps me grounded and asking for His guidance has been in the forefront of every major decision I have made. Without Him, I am nothing. My father, Paul Graham served as Robeson County manager for 22 years and instilled in me a love for this county and a sense of service to its citizens. I am devoted to my family: wife Ann and son Randall (Amie). I am a deacon, Sunday School teacher and usher at East Lumberton Baptist Church, which I attend regularly.

I began my career in law enforcement over 35 years ago as a court counselor with the North Carolina Juvenile Services Division, where I received my law enforcement training from the University of North Carolina Institute of Government, N.C. Justice Academy and Robeson Community College.

In 1994, I was presented the Most Outstanding Court Counselor Award for the state of North Carolina. I helped establish the very first evidence-based Teen Court in the United States as well as the first Juvenile Detention Center right here in Robeson County. Gov. Michael Easley presented me with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award presented to a citizen. In 2000, the Honorable Gary Locklear appointed me Chief Court Counselor to oversee the entire district, where I served for six years.

In 2010, I took a position with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office as Internal Affairs investigator. I was able to utilize numerous professional contacts that I have made through my career to assist in bringing a tremendous amount of funding, through grants, to Robeson County, thus taking the financial burden off the taxpayers. Through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, I secured a grant of over half million dollars that enabled the RCSO to hire additional officers, purchase additional vehicles and state of the art equipment. I was also responsible for administering grants through the Department of Justice, which provided funding for a gang officer, a domestic violence program and a departmental social worker. I was able to secure a grant from the NC Governors Crime Commission for video equipment in RCSO. I am the only candidate who has recent experience with the RCSO, in all aspects of its operation. This recent experience gives me a hands-on approach, and allows me to know what works and what doesn’t. I will effect positive change on Day 1 of my administration.

My service to our community extends beyond my employment. I have a long history of volunteer service. I have participated in many mission ministries throughout our county and our state: making housing repairs, building ramps and other various tasks. In 1999, I participated in a volunteer crew to repair homes in Rocky Mount that were devastated by Hurricane Floyd. Most recently, in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, I worked tirelessly at the Emergency Operations Center, assisting in the coordination of dozens of Sheriff’s Offices across the state that volunteered their services to our county.

Some of my plans for RCSO include: I will be available and accountable to the citizens. I will be a hands-on leader and be visible within the department as well as throughout the county. I plan to reorganize and restructure RCSO so divisions can be more effective. I will improve the morale within the department and demonstrate consistent leadership. I will increase patrols in high-crime and drug-infested areas. I plan to work with our schools to study and target school safety issues within our school facilities. I plan to seek new funding streams through grants.

My consistent, longtime administrative experience of over 20 years in the law enforcement field is what we need. Our county needs a sheriff who is not only familiar with law enforcement, but who is also experienced in leadership and administrative capacities. I will use my leadership skills to build morale and increase productivity within the Sheriff’s Office. I feel every employee is of value and that proper evaluations can be used to focus on employee’s strengths and opportunities for advancement. Employees will be treated fairly, but will be held to a high level of professionalism.

I have never been big on self promotion, however, I’ve learned that listing my professional and personal accomplishments are a necessity when running for political office. Make no mistake, I strive every day to give my God the glory for everything I’ve been fortunate to achieve in my career. Through Him, all things are possible.

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Randy Graham is a Democratic candidate for sheriff.