County Sheriff

Steve Spence

Steve Spence

Republican

Tell us about your campaign.

My wife Darlene and I have been married for 36 years all while living on our family farm in the Midland Community. We are blessed with three children, six grandchildren and one on the way, all living in Rutherford County. We enjoy attending Franklin Road Baptist Church, in Murfreesboro. While approaching my 39th year with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, I remain committed to serving our community with the same dedication I brought to my first days at the old jail on West Main Street. My career has taken me through roles in Detention and Patrol, earning promotion to Sergeant, and becoming the first FTO Sergeant. I later advanced to Lieutenant, then Training Captain, Patrol Captain, and ultimately Law Enforcement Major, where I oversaw all Law Enforcement Divisions. Today, I serve as the Administrative Deputy Chief, where I manage our Human Resources Department, Accounts Payable/Receivable and Budget, Fleet Services, Building Maintenance, and the Community Engagement Unit. The last three fiscal years, I have managed our eighty-one million dollar budget, worked consistently with county leaders to meet our financial objectives and minimize effects to taxpayers. I worked to secure over seventeen million dollars in state and federal grants, which helps reduce added tax burdens. This journey has strengthened my commitment to the people of Rutherford County and to the mission of this office. I will work hard to make sure the people have confidence in my leadership and their Sheriff’s Office. Education I graduated from Riverdale High School in 1984 and later graduated the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy in 1989. A fraction of Law Enforcement certifications and courses over the years include: - FBI LEEDA Law Enforcement Executive Development Association - Advance Training Seminars Mid-Level Management - Leadership Matters Training for Administrative, Financial and Executive Officers Course - Leadership Skills for Challenging Times - Governor’s Office of Homeland Security Counter Terrorism Advance Course (80-hours) - Special Event Management for Law Enforcement, Public Safety officials and Event Organizers - Child Abduction Response Team Training Program - Advance ICS Command and General Staff Complex Incidents (ICS-400) - Train the Trainer Incident Command System - Department Homeland Security Insider Threat Training & FBI Terrorism Conference

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

No response provided

What are your priorities for this office?

Enhance training for personnel, improve the current work environment and continue to work on improving employees’ salaries. These standards will help retain our current high quality staff while encouraging new recruits. This allows us to build a more professional and dedicated team of law enforcement individuals. A new jail offers the potential to reduce the recidivism rates. We do this by increasing current educational and life skills programs. Building stronger relationships with our communities through visibility and interaction is key to success.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

I want to keep Rutherford County a place where families are safe, deputies are supported, and the law is enforced with integrity. My 38 years with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in addition to my range of experience, commitment to serve and dedication to public safety are what qualify me.