Letter to editor: Sheriff candidate Matt Mayer
I am Matt Mayer, a Republican Candidate for Richland County Sheriff and I am asking for your vote on March 19th, 2024. As a lifelong resident of Richland County, and a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Snows Parish, I am deeply connected to this community.
Now, I am ready to dedicate my experience, education, and expertise to serving our community as the Sheriff of Richland County.
I have always been a conservative person; in my choices, thinking, values and morals. My education includes graduating from The Ohio State University and the Ohio State Patrol Basic Police Academy. Plus, thousands of hours of law enforcement training.
I have 36 years in law enforcement, 18 years as a supervisor, with 28 ½ at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. I have experience as a Dispatcher, Correction Officer, Major Crimes Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and Crime Scene processing. My experience extends to a wide range of cases, including murder, violent crimes, drug crimes, burglaries, thefts, frauds, crimes against the elderly and child abuse, burglaries, theft, and fraud.
I have been involved in hundreds of search warrants, formed task forces to pursue organized and habitual criminals, and have recovered and returned thousands of stolen items to their rightful owners.
During my time at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, I received numerous commendations, but I am most proud of the one I received in 2020 from the Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost, The Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award for years of dedicated service, outstanding leadership, and significant performance in the pursuit of justice during my law enforcement career.
For the past 9 years I have worked for the Richland County Common Pleas Court, and for the last 7 years, I have been a MWCD Northern Ohio Regional Police Officer.
Currently serving as the Ranger Supervisor directly under the Chief. My impressive educational background, extensive experience and vast knowledge in law enforcement makes me the wise choice.
I intend to focus on several key areas to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. This includes:
– Administer the Deputies and other employees in a fair and just manner. I believe in providing them with the necessary resources, education, and training to effectively protect the community.
– Promote Community Policing by neighborhood watch, social media, and home security cameras.
– Committed to protecting our schools and ensuring a safe learning environment for students.
– Protection of the Elderly, Youth, and persons with Mental Health Issues. I recognize the vulnerability of this population and am dedicated to protecting them against abuse, neglect, and fraud.
– Address Correction
Officer turnover and inmate deaths in the jail, implement effective strategies to improve jail operations and ensure the safety and well-being of all Officers and inmates.
– Drug and violent crimes: I will prioritize combating these crimes and work diligently to dismantle the networks involved in these illicit activities.
– Committed to fiscal responsibility: l have studied the budget and will work closely with Commissioners and the Auditor to ensure efficient allocation of funds.
I will assess the Sheriff’s Office’s functions and operations. I will conduct studies and research to formulate effective policies and procedures that will benefit employees and the public.
I will handle numerous administrative tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the Sheriff’s Office. These tasks include manage with equality while treating others in a manner that I would like to be treated.
My lifelong commitment to public service, combined with my strong educational background and extensive law enforcement experience makes me a highly qualified Candidate for Sheriff. I promise to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community, while working diligently to address key areas.
With me as your Sheriff, the community can feel confident in their safety and security.
Thank you,
Matthew James Mayer