Candidates for Tyrrell sheriff appeal to voters

Published 11:17 am Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Editor’s note:  The three candidates for Democratic nomination for Sheriff of Tyrrell County were invited to make brief statements for publication. Printed below are the responses we received:

 

JOEY ELLIOTT

I was raised at Legion Beach in Columbia, North Carolina, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1986. I also raised my family in Columbia. I attend Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and Philippi Church of Christ. I am a member of the Masonic Lodge in Columbia and have been a successful business owner for over 20 years.

My son, Devin, is a lieutenant in the Navy. My son, Cameron, is a petty officer third class in the Coast Guard. My daughter, Ashlin, attends UNC Chapel Hill. My wife, Dana, is the manager of Columbia Crossings.

I started my career in Tyrrell County in 1989 as a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections for 12 years, where I received my general instructor’s certificate. In 2001, I served as a probation/parole officer in Tyrrell County for 12 years. I earned my specialties in instruction for firearms and unarmed self-defense and became a full time instructor in 2013. I taught in-service and basic training to both correctional officers and probation/parole officers. I retired in late 2017 and currently instruct at COA.

I want to focus on more community policing, positive involvement of local law enforcement in the community, and crime prevention for local youth. I want to work with the community to help offenders receive the aid that they need, whether it be substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment in order to get back on their feet. I also want to work to diversify the sheriff’s department.

 

NATHAN McPEAK

My name is Nathan McPeak and I am a candidate for the Office of Sheriff of Tyrrell County, NC.   I am 61 years old and am married to Thelma McPeak, my wife of 33 years.  I have over 41 years of public service experience, with 40 of those years being in the criminal justice field.  I retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections in 2006 with over 31 years of service. I then moved to Tyrrell County and I have not looked back.  I served for 8½ years with the Tyrrell County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant and as a K-9 Handler.  I am currently employed by the Town of Columbia as a street maintenance worker.

My community activities include attending and participating in church services at Columbia Christian Church.  I am President-elect of the Columbia Rotary Club, and my term as President is scheduled to begin in July of this year. I am very active in an informal running group in Columbia, where several runners meet and encourage active and healthy lifestyles through running.

I am seeking the Office of Sheriff of Tyrrell County because of my experience as a Deputy in Tyrrell County. Those were the best years of my professional life.  I have received much encouragement to run for this office from citizens in all sections of the county. If I am elected you can expect to see a fair and even handed management of the Sheriff’s Office.  Service will be courteous and people will be treated with dignity.

For more information concerning specific issues facing Tyrrell County, please see my FaceBook page, “Nathan McPeak for Sheriff of Tyrrell County.”  I would appreciate your support in the primary election on May 8th.

 

KEVIN SAWYER

My name is Roy “Kevin” Sawyer and I am seeking the Office of Sheriff. I am a native of Tyrrell County; in 2015, I returned home to serve under Sheriff Darryl Liverman. As a 48-year-old father of 2 teenagers and a husband to a wonderful wife, I am doing something that is my calling.  I ask for this honor not for power nor recognition, but to make a difference.

I am uniquely qualified to be your next Sheriff.  As many of you know, Sheriff Liverman, has publicly endorsed my candidacy.  With a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University, my career began as a Probation Officer in 1992. In 1995, I was sworn as a law enforcement officer after completing my Basic Law Enforcement Training at night and on weekends.  My career duties have consisted of serving as Chief Deputy, Lt. Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, and currently a Patrol Sergeant in our home town. With certifications as an Advanced Law Enforcement Officer, General Instructor, Crisis Intervention and Drug Task Force Supervision, my professional development has continued over the years. The experience this has provided is invaluable.

As a resident and tax paying citizen of Tyrrell County, I want to be your next Sheriff. The Office will be my priority and focus along with your safety. You will be treated with fairness and respect. The Sheriff’s Office door will always be open to the public. I am asking for your vote for me to keep Tyrrell County safe.