Leadership. Experience. Integrity.

A Letter from Your Sheriff

Dear Howell County Citizens,

I am Howell County Sheriff Mike Shannon and I would like to share with you some of my thoughts in reflecting over the last four years as your sheriff.  I have always loved this county and the people that call it home.  It is for that reason I decided to run for the office of sheriff in 2008. I officially became your sheriff on January 1^st, 2009 thanks to all of you that went to the polls and voted for me.  I can assure you that I take my responsibilities to you and this county seriously.  The only promise I made during my campaign was to work hard and do the best job I can for the county.  I strive daily to keep that promise to you by making sound decisions in any number of situations.  Whether it is budgeting taxpayer money, investigating deaths or taking care of personnel issues, I keep the counties citizens’ best interest at heart. 

As you know in 2009 the economy plunged.  This greatly affected the amount of money available to run the Sheriff’s Office.  Major cuts had to be made in order to keep the doors open to serve your needs.  It was not easy or pleasant but very necessary.  That year was pretty bleak and I hope we never have to face that again.  We were able to make it through the year and since then things have slowly gotten better.  One thing I decided to do was to refinance the jail.  This made it possible to pay it off a year early.  We will be making our last payment this year, which means at the beginning of 2013 I will have an additional 130,000 dollars in the budget for other things we need.

One thing I am proud of is being able to continue the DARE program here in Howell County.  Many Sheriff’s Offices throughout the state have been forced to cut the program due to budget issues.  I made it a priority to keep DARE because I feel it is so important to educate our kids on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Twenty-five percent of Howell Counties’ population is under the age of 18 and we need to continue to educate as many as we can on the dangers of controlled substances.

Another thing I am proud of is our new canine drug dog.  With the help of several area dentists as well as other Howell County citizens the money was raised to purchase the dog.  He is certified for drugs as well as tracking.  We have a deputy who has been trained and certified with the dog and is currently serving the county in that capacity.  He is a great addition to our staff.

I have worked hard to continue to build positive relationships between other law enforcement agencies and the Sheriffs’ Office.  It is my firm belief that we are all working for the same goal and that is to provide Howell County with the type of law enforcement it deserves.  I have worked side by side with the Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in our county during my first term as sheriff.   I can tell you they are valuable resources for Howell County and are always willing to help out. 

I am grateful for the opportunity of being your Sheriff for the last four years and I hope to continue serving you in that capacity for many years to come.  This is not just a job for me; it is a commitment to the people of Howell County.  Along with my commitment to you there is also the commitment my family has made to you.  Without their support I would not be able to fulfill the obligations of Sheriff.  My wife and kids understand the demands of this position and continue to fully support me in my endeavors.  I have a large extended family that prays daily for the county and for the safety of all who serve them.

 I thank you for your prayers and continued support.  I hope you will show your support by voting for me once again on August 7^th, 2012.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Mike Shannon