Jimmy Davis, left, gets a congratulatory hug from retiring Sheriff Tim Guider after learning he beat Paul Curtis in the race for Loudon County sheriff.
Jimmy Davis, left, gets a congratulatory hug from retiring Sheriff Tim Guider after learning he beat Paul Curtis in the race for Loudon County sheriff.
After 32 years, there will indeed be a new sheriff in Loudon County.
Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis pulled out a narrow 4,250-3,995 victory over Paul Curtis in the May 3 primary. Marty Ward finished third with 1,038 votes.
Davis, who was endorsed by retiring Sheriff Tim Guider and sheriffs from eight surrounding counties, thanked family and friends in the community for trusting in him and helping him win.
“It’s a big responsibility to take on the safety of the community,” Davis said. “I plan on getting to work on it right away.”
Both candidates had touted their experience. Davis has 29 years in law enforcement, with 28 years at LCSO, including 17 years as an administrator.
Identifying himself as a nationally recognized law enforcement officer, Curtis had promised to emphasize training and revive the drug awareness program in schools.
Davis said he will continue to be a good steward of taxpayer money and pursue federal and state grants to help supplement the annual budget. He vowed to continue existing programs and look for innovative ways to implement new ones.
He also emphasized continued cooperation with Loudon County Commission.
Goals for the first term include attaining accreditation for LCSO, emphasizing education and training for deputies and working with 9th Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson to establish a “recovery court” to help in the fight against drugs.
Davis announced Zac Frye will be the new chief deputy. He said in his selection he considered education, experience, attitude, intellect and a strong ability to bring new and innovative strategies to LCSO.
In unrelated races, two Republican judges were unopposed in the primary and will have no Democratic challengers in August.
Rex Dale received 7,942 votes in his bid for General Sessions Judge, Division I, while Henry “Hank” Sledge Jr. received 7,841 votes for General Sessions Judge, Division II.
