Allen Simmons, a veteran of the Henderson Police Department, will run as an unaffiliated candidate for Sheriff of Vance County in the November 6th general election, facing opponents Curtis Brame (Dem) and Charles Pulley (Rep).
Simmons received the signatures of 1,424 qualified Vance County voters, several hundred more than the required 1,189 needed to have his name added to the ballot.
The Vance County Board of Elections has verified that he has met the requirements to run as an unaffiliated candidate for November’s election.
Below are Simmons’ responses to the same five questions that WIZS asked the other candidates for Vance County Sheriff.
Name: Allen Simmons
Candidate For: Vance County Sheriff
Age: 42
Town of Residence: Henderson
Previous position(s) held: Criminal Investigator/Sr. Patrol Officer
Degrees/Certifications Earned: Organizational Management Degree/Saint Augustine’s College
Advance Law Enforcement Certification; Law Enforcement/Coned/Dignitary Protection; Under Cover Officer; Field Training Officer Certification; First Line Supervision/Management Course; Crime Scene Technician Training; Advanced Criminal Investigations Training; Police Law Institute Certification; Interpersonal Skills and Diversity Training; Computer Skills; Officer Survival; Cultural Diversity; Informant Management; Domestic Terrorism: Prevention; Law Enforcement Bike Patrol; Critical Incident; Rapid Deployment; Club and Rave Drug; Pharmaceutical Drug Diversion Investigation; Combat Firearm Drills; Basic SWAT Tactics; Basic Tactical Ballistic Shields; SWAT Operator: (Dynamic Entry, Room Clearing, Holster Familiarization, Suspect Encounter, Team Building, Equipment Familiarization); Tactical Challenge Training; Basic Urban Rifle; Conducting Internal Affairs Investigation; Defensive Tactics; Basic Incident Command; Domestic Violence Response Training; Homicide Investigation; Homicide/Cold Case Review; North Carolina Homicide Association; Homicide Investigation & Crime Scene Management
Endorsements: Sheriff Thomas Breedlove, Tommie Breedlove, Bishop Brenda Peace, Pastor John Miles, Tommie Haithcock and Jameel Williams
What motivated you to run for Vance County Sheriff?
The current alarming violent criminal acts and economic situation in Vance County have motivated me to run for Sheriff. I have teenage children who are beginning to move towards adulthood, and I want them to be proud of Vance County, to be excited to live here and be able to earn a good living working in this county. But, I just don’t want this for my kids, I want this opportunity to be available to all citizens of this community. So, I am motivated to run for Sheriff because I’m personally invested in the future of Vance County.
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
I’m the only candidate in the race who has the combination of education, training, and experience to turn the crime rate around. I have a well-developed platform, and I have identified key individuals who will help me implement my plans.
Also, I have a strong relationship with the Henderson Police Department command staff, state and federal agencies, and community leaders. I will build an effective team and unify everyone on the goal of stopping the senseless killings and attacking the destructive heroin drug dealing that is taking so many lives from our community.
What do you believe is the single most important skill to possess in order to be a successful sheriff?
The single most important skill a successful Sheriff should have is the ability to communicate with the citizens. As I campaign for Sheriff, I will let everyone know that I am available for them to reach out to speak to me no matter the situation. I will never make a promise I can’t keep, and I will be fair and allow the citizens to voice their concerns. I will have quarterly forums in coordination with the community watch groups and I will use social media to get important information to keep the public informed.
If elected, would you keep the Sheriff’s department moving along its current path or change the course?
As Sheriff of Vance County, I plan on building on all the positive changes Sheriff White has made and implementing 21st Century law enforcement strategies to keep the citizens safe and provide effective law enforcement practices.
What do you believe is the biggest concern facing Vance County today and what would you do as Sheriff to address that concern?
The biggest concern facing Vance County is the rampant drug problems and violence and death associated with them. If elected, as soon as I am sworn in as Sheriff, I will call the Chief of Police in Henderson and schedule a meeting and we will work together to attack these problems.
I’m also going to collaborate with the substance abuse treatment providers and coordinate with them to bring a treatment program to the Vance County Jail. Those arrested and brought to the jail need substance abuse consideration, as their dependence on drugs may be a contributing cause of their criminal actions.
The photo accompanying this article provided by Allen Simmons.