Dammon McGilton has announced he is running as an Independent for the office of Stone County Sheriff in the 2022 general election.
A law enforcement officer for 21 years, McGilton, 42, is currently the Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and has been a working member of the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force for the last nine years.
“I believe that I am the most qualified person for this position,” McGilton said in a release announcing his candidacy. “My work experience began at the city level with municipal police departments in Dermott, Hampton, and Fordyce.”
“I have chosen Stone County to be my home because I love the area and the people of this beautiful county. I plan on living here until the day I die,” he said.
McGilton said one reason he has moved forward in the chain of command is his willingness to educate himself in law enforcement classes and training.
“I am a certified police officer with thousands of hours of training,” McGilton said. “That includes specialized training and experience in street crimes, narcotics, criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and organized crime. I am a graduate of the Narcotics Officer Certification Program for the state of Arkansas. I am proud to say I am also a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor. My training and on-the-job work ethic have given me experience in supervising, budgeting, teaching, and all aspects of law enforcement. I also serve Stone County by being an active member of the Mountain View Fire Department. I have approximately 10 years of experience in fire service.”
McGilton said his close work with the officers of the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force in fighting drug issues in the area has also provided good experience.
“A law enforcement officer is not just a job or title to me,” McGilton said. “I believe it’s a calling. I sincerely think God has placed me here and has a plan for me. If you select me to be your sheriff, I promise you I will use every ounce of energy in my body to serve and protect the people in this county.
McGilton said that if elected he plans to implement several improvements including being available 24/7 and working diligently beside his deputies; supporting the constitutional rights of Stone County residents; working with the county on the budget and cutting unnecessary spending; keeping the sheriff’s department transparent; continuing the war against drugs and other organized crimes; and creating districts to spread out coverage to all parts of Stone County and keep those officers readily available in his/her district.
“Running for sheriff is a huge responsibility and one that I am willing to assume,” said McGilton. “I have the law enforcement experience, training, and education that the position demands. But most importantly, I have the desire and drive to serve Stone County. As a preacher once told me, ‘You should never have to get your ‘want-to’ fixed.’ The job is not easy and cannot be taken lightly, but it is one that I believe I can excel in on your behalf. If you have any questions of me, just give me a call at (870) 866-8038.
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