County Sheriff
Kevin Dodds
Kevin Dodds
Independent
Tell us about your campaign.
As a candidate for the position of Rutherford County Sheriff I wanted to share my vision for the Sheriff's office and the community we serve. Public safety is more than enforcement — it’s about trust, accountability, and partnership. If elected as your next County Sheriff, my agenda focuses on building a stronger, safer, and more connected community for everyone. I've gotten into this race as the apparent underdog who wants to rid the sheriff’s department of the nepotism and the good old boy system that causes low moral and a large turn over rate. I have 48 years of law enforcement experience. I will prioritize modern, effective policing by investing in training, updated technology, and data-driven strategies that help deputies serve safely while protecting the rights of every citizen.Community-first policing will be at the heart of everything we do. Building real relationships with residents, businesses, and local organizations ensures we prevent crime — not just respond to it. Supporting our deputies is essential. I will work to improve resources, expand mental health support, and create more opportunities for professional growth so our team can serve at the highest level. I will work to secure better wages for our deputies to ensure that we hire and retain the best of the best, and that we stop being a training platform for other law enforcement agencies, because our pay is inferior to other agencies.
In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.
The primary responsibilities of the Sheriff is to lead and manage the county's law enforcement and detention operations while serving as the county's chief law enforcement officer. Patrolling unincorporated areas of the county to prevent crime, preserve order, and protect life and property. Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls. Safely and securely operating the adult and juvenile detention centers. Managing school resource officers who are entrusted with keeping our school children and staff safe. Serving criminal and civil court orders. Managing the Sheriff's departments budget, personnel, training and administrative functions.
What are your priorities for this office?
I would like to end the nepotism and good old boy system, and make promotions and transfers merit and knowledge based. I would like to bring in civil service to assist in hiring, promotions, and transfers. I would like the Sheriff's department to own and operate its own auto pound contracting with local towing companies for towing. The department I spent the majority of my career at makes millions every year from their police auto pound. I will work to improve resources, expand mental health support, and create more opportunities for professional growth so our team can serve at the highest level.
Describe your qualifications for this office.
I started my public service at the age of 16 as a junior volunteer fireman. At the age of 18, I became a volunteer fireman, EMT and rose to the rank of captain within the fire department, I was also a volunteer with a city's volunteer emergency medical service. Also at the age of 18, I became an auxillary police officer and achieved the rank of lieutenant. I served almost 32 years with the Dallas Police Department in Dallas, TX. After retirement from Dallas PD, I became the police chief for a school district in southwestern PA. I am a proven and trusted leader. I've written standard operating procedures, wrote grant proposals, and formulated a budget. I have advanced national school resource officers training. I want the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department to hire and retain the best and brightest deputies to work in all facets of the Sheriff's departments operations.
