Beaufort County native Al Junior Whitney has announced that he will run for Beaufort County sheriff in 2014.

Whitney’s career with the state government spans 23 years; for the past 12, his position as a juvenile court counselor has allowed him to work closely with schools, parents, providers, court personnel, law enforcement and other agencies, he said.

“I feel I’ve got a lot to offer the county,” Whitney said, qualities like leadership, dedication, honesty, integrity and professionalism.

A 1983 graduate of John A. Wilkinson High School, Whitney attended Elizabeth State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. From 1990 to 1996, he worked in the Department of Corrections, rising to the rank of sergeant; in 1996, he made the transition to parole/probation officer then took the position of juvenile court counselor in 2001.

The idea of running for sheriff is not new to Whitney, but it was Sheriff Alan Jordan’s announcement that he would not seek reelection that spurred him to step up to the task to put some new ideas into play.

“It has to start with the leadership,” Whitney said. “We need to look toward the citizens of Beaufort County; cater to the needs of Beaufort County.”

For Whitney, that means a sheriff’s office that is more accessible and approachable, and one with improved coverage across the county.

“We can minimize crime and by the same token it will give the deputies the opportunity to interact with the citizens,” Whitney explained.

But Whitney also emphasized the need for the best training available for all members of the office, and finding new and better ways to safeguard the community, courts and schools.

Whitney said his faith led him to the decision to run, and until Election Day, he’ll be out “meeting people and campaigning hard.”

Whitney and his wife Teresa live in Washington and have three children and two grandchildren. In addition to being a member of St. John Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), he is a member of Golden Trowel Masonic Lodge #97 and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.