Letter to the Editor: Gardner’s professionalism will lead New Kent as Sheriff

As a former deputy with New Kent Sheriff’s Office, I support a change in leadership by supporting Charles Gardner for sheriff.

I am a sworn officer with 18 years of experience in criminal investigations, budget management, hiring, training, and a certified instructor. Due to my experience, I believe Charles has the leadership skills and integrity to move New Kent Sheriff’s Office into the future. In the position of sheriff, you must possess the ability to communicate principles and choose the right people with a variety of strengths to compensate for each other’s weaknesses. You are building a team, not a personal fiefdom.

Charles has always been fair and respectful when listening to a problem before judging the situation. He looks at the totality of an event. He also knows that decisions and situations he is involved in are not just political; they are personal and Charles treats them as such.

I also support Gardner because the diversity of officers and retention rate under the current leadership has been lacking over the years. The county is losing money by training and losing new officers to neighboring jurisdictions to internal politics and divisions.

In a previous letter to the editor from a current member, he stated a little over fifty percent of officers have been there 10-20 years. What happened to all those others that are no longer there? If we as a county want to keep the best here to protect our citizens, then we must look deeply at the nepotism that is going on in the current administration ranks.

I heard many candidates speak at a recent debate. There was only one candidate for Sheriff I heard speaking of taking that professionalism to the next level not resting on their past accomplishment. I ask you to vote Charles Gardner for Sheriff.

Rob Joyce
New Kent