Editor’s Note: WIZS contacted the three candidates for Vance County Sheriff and asked them to provide written responses to a series of questions to give voters some insight about their experience and background as the March 3 primary approaches.

Incumbent Curtis Brame faces challengers Sterlin M. Walker, Jr. and Sean Alston, Sr. Early voting began Feb. 12 and continues through Feb. 28.

Following are the unedited responses in their entirety from the three candidates. WIZS used AI to randomly select the order in which the candidates’ responses would be presented.

 

Sterlin M. Walker, Jr.

• Why are you running for sheriff?

My name is Sterlin M. Walker, Jr. and I am running for the Office of Sheriff of Vance County. In this culture of mistrust of law enforcement, I want to be the bridge between the community and the law enforcement community that serves you. We all want a place where our children and grandchildren can grow, live, learn, play and thrive. A community where its citizens can earn a decent living and not worry about their homes and businesses being targeted for break-ins for what you have worked so hard to obtain. Together with the communities’ assistance, we can put a dent in what drives these activities. I will partner with surrounding law enforcement agencies on the local, state and federal levels to address the needs of Vance County. Any one of us can fall victim to crime at any given time regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, religion or sexual orientation and it will take all of us together to address the needs of Vance County. If elected Sheriff of Vance County, I will have an open mind and a listening ear for the citizens to voice their concerns and needs. I will endeavor to rebuild the trust and understanding in our community. I was fortunate to learn from some of the best law enforcement officers in this nation and I will put that knowledge and expertise to work in service for this our community.

• What’s your platform?

My platform is based on true transparency, accountability, commitment, honor and integrity. As I said earlier, I want the public to rebuild their trust in the law enforcement agencies of this county that serves them.

• What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this community faces in the next two years? Five years?

My 2 year plan will first begin with recruiting officers who have the desire and drive to serve the citizens of Vance County. Secondly, the retention of good personnel is paramount. I want to recruit citizens who want to be deputies who actually live in the communities that they serve. I want the deputies who are currently employed as VCSO personnel to feel empowered to make a difference in the lives of Vance County Citizens for the better. 95% of the classes we take are FREE to law enforcement officers. Thirdly I want deputies who have at least 4 years of experience to be allowed to obtain an Instructor’s Certification, so they can conduct in-house training for the officers of the VCSO.

My 5 year plan would run concurrent with my 2 year plan, because of the issues currently facing the Vance County Detention Center. The next priority will be to rebuild working relationships within the County, so every aspect of public safety works smoothly with each other. I will implement a Ride-Along program, so that members of the community and the Vance County Board of Commissioners can see first-hand the duties and responsibilities that law enforcement officers face every day.

• As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

I will engage the community in public forums, host community events in each district and every municipality located in Vance County. This would go a long way in rebuilding the trust of the community that we serve. I would be open to possibly starting a Citizens On Patrol (COP) program, along with having Community Watch meetings.

• What role do you see yourself having in managing the existing detention center and the challenges it faces amidst probable construction of a new facility?

I would insist on having state of the art equipment, such as the County can afford. We can implement systems that can be add-ons, meaning we implement systems that as we obtain funding we can upgrade the system instead of buying equipment that becomes obsolete within 2 years of going online. Or having X-ray equipment in a facility that hasn’t seen a day of operation.

• What’s your experience in the public sector? What’s your resume for being sheriff?

I have 25 years of law enforcement experience starting out as a patrol officer, field training officer, undercover officer, investigative experience, specialized assignments and I have served as a supervisor with both the Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office of patrol teams and special law enforcement units. I have written policy for both agencies that minimize risk and liabilities, while yielding maximum results. In those 25 years I have served every agency as a Field Training Officer going back to when I began my service with the North Carolina State University Department of Public Safety. I have been assigned to Presidential Security details during my career. As a certified Criminal Justice Instructor with over 20 years experience I have taught on various levels. I have taught every course in the Basic Law Enforcement curriculum except Firearms and Defensive Tactics. I specialized in Emergency Response, Defensive Driving and Pursuit Driving for Law Enforcement Officers; Taser Instructor and Taser Technician, I am qualified as an expert witness in Taser related deaths and Active Shooter Response for Law Enforcement. If you add up all of my time in relation to my law enforcement career, I have over 47 years of law enforcement combined experience.

• If you are running for re-election, what are some highlights of your service in your role?

I am running for my first term.

• If you’re a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?

My role as Sheriff is to oversee the operation and supervision of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. I would offer guidance to all citizens of Vance County in whatever role they choose to serve. No matter how you operate in Vance County, i.e. concerned citizens or County Commissioner, I will endeavor to provide you the best service I know how. I am not a politician; I’m a cop who wants to make a positive impact on your lives.

• Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.

I would urge every citizen to research each candidate that wants your support for public office for yourself. Find out the candidates’ qualification and make an informed decision about your vote that will affect your life and the lives of your family, friends and loved ones for the next four years. If you don’t make your voice heard, you have No right to complain about the process or the service you receive. If you are truly concerned about your community get involved, engage and vote. This Sheriff’s race is not about a popularity contest, it’s about the best man for the job. You can visit my website at www.sterlinwalker.com, all lower case, to see my entire platform and what I bring to the table or you can call me directly at 252-432-7528. I will post my resume on my website and in the local Facebook pages for everyone to view at their convenience. No other candidate has made this offer. Everything I’ve said and done is open for the public to review. Don’t let any political organization tell you how to vote. When the Henderson Vance Black Leadership Caucus runs up to you with a little blue sheet during early voting and election day let them know that you know the candidate that you want to elect. Don’t let a political organization tell you how to vote. Don’t let 45 people of a clique dictate to you, the citizens of Vance County, how you should vote. I have been highlighted in Ballotpedia, which you can view at ballotpedia.org. My name is Sterlin M. Walker, Jr. and I want to be Your next Sheriff. Thank you for your support and vote.

 

Sean Alston, Sr.

• Why are you running for sheriff?

I am running for Sheriff because I have made a personal decision to help shape the future of local law enforcement in our community. I want to have a direct role in guiding policies that impact public safety, strengthening responsible approaches to issues such as gun violence, and ensuring the jail is managed effectively and professionally on a daily basis. This position is an opportunity to lead meaningful public safety initiatives, positively influence the criminal justice system, and responsibly oversee budgets and personnel. I am committed to providing strong leadership, accountability, and a clear vision for protecting and serving our community.

• What’s your platform?

My platform is centered on protecting Vance County and restoring confidence in public safety. I am committed to leading a disciplined, well-trained Sheriff’s Office and ensuring a safer, better-managed detention center. My focus will be on officer safety, constitutional policing, strong supervision, and clear accountability to the people we serve.

If elected, I will bring experienced leadership to the forefront. A retired First Sergeant from the N.C. State Highway Patrol with 30 years of service has committed to serve as my second-in-command, and a Lieutenant from another law enforcement agency has committed to serve in a key leadership role as well. My plan is to surround this office with proven experience, structure, and balance so that we can build a professional organization that operates with integrity, consistency, and respect for the community.

• What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this community faces in the next two
  years? Five years?

Key Issues Facing Our Community:

The Safety and Welfare of the Jail and Those Inside It
One of my top priorities is improving conditions within the detention center by focusing on the safety, health, and welfare of both staff and inmates. This includes taking strong, proactive steps to stop the flow of contraband, strengthening security procedures, increasing supervision, and ensuring the facility is managed with professionalism, structure, and accountability.

Restoring Balance and Responsibility to the Budget
The Sheriff’s office must be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. I believe spending should be disciplined, transparent, and aligned with real operational needs. My goal is to carefully review expenditures, eliminate waste, prioritize resources where they are most needed, and ensure the Sheriff’s Office operates efficiently while still supporting deputies and public safety efforts.

Stronger Leadership and Administrative Accountability
Leadership sets the tone for the entire agency. I am committed to building an administration that values accountability, professionalism, and teamwork. I will surround myself with experienced, knowledgeable individuals who bring strong ideas, sound judgment, and a willingness to challenge and improve the organization. By bringing in people who are skilled and forward-thinking, we create a stronger structure, better decision-making, and a more effective Sheriff’s Office for the community.

Additional Focus Areas:

• Strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community through transparency and consistent communication.
• Supporting deputies with proper training, equipment, and leadership so they can perform their jobs safely and effectively.
• Improving internal policies and supervision to ensure fairness, consistency, and high professional standards.
• Creating a culture of integrity where the public knows their Sheriff’s Office is working in their best interest every day.

 

• As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

As an elected official, I will address these issues by being willing to have the tough, honest conversations that are necessary to build strong working relationships and better serve the people of this community. In my roles as an elected Commissioner/Chair and an appointed Magistrate Judge, I understand the importance of communication, collaboration, and accountability when it comes to solving complex problems.

I will focus on bringing spending under control by taking a hard look at the budget, encouraging responsible decision-making, and ensuring that resources are being used wisely and effectively. Fiscal discipline and transparency will be key priorities.

I will also work closely with city police, surrounding agencies, and regional partners to take a more coordinated approach to addressing drugs, illegal guns, and trafficking. Strong partnerships and information-sharing are essential to making a real impact on crime.

In addition, I will prioritize building a stronger, more productive relationship with the District Attorney’s Office so we can better serve the public, improve case outcomes, and help reduce the jail population in a responsible and lawful way. By strengthening these partnerships and focusing on accountability at every level, we can create a safer, more efficient, and more trusted public safety system.

• What role do you see yourself having in managing the existing detention center and the challenges it faces amidst probable construction of a new facility?

I see my role as taking an active, hands-on approach in overseeing the daily operations and long-term direction of the detention center, especially as we face ongoing challenges and the possible transition to a new facility. I will hold myself personally accountable for how the jail is managed and ensure that it operates with professionalism, structure, and clear standards.

My focus will be on treating inmates with dignity and respect while maintaining a safe environment for officers, staff, and the public. I believe transparency is essential, so I will be open with the community about both the progress we make and the challenges we face. Rather than making excuses about past decisions, I will focus on solutions, strong leadership, and improving operations moving forward.

As we prepare for the potential construction of a new facility, I will work to ensure a smooth transition by addressing current operational issues, strengthening policies, improving supervision, and setting a higher standard for accountability. My goal is to build a detention system the community can trust—one that is secure, well-managed, and focused on safety, fairness, and responsibility.

• What’s your experience in the public sector? 

My public service experience has been built through years of leadership, mentorship, and involvement in both civic and community-based roles. I am a member of Masonic Lodge 151 and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, organizations that emphasize service, integrity, and community support. I have also spent many years working with young people as a coach, serving as a former middle school baseball coach, a football and basketball coach at Louisburg High School, and as the former Vance County JV Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach at Vance County High School.

These roles allowed me to mentor youth, work with families, and build strong ties within the community. In addition to my community involvement, (as a Vance County Commissioner previously), I have gained firsthand experience in public leadership, decision-making, and addressing the needs of the citizens I represent. Together, these experiences reflect my long-standing commitment to service, leadership, and making a positive impact in the public sector.

(Editor’s Note: Alston is a former Vance County Commissioner for District 3 and has been a magistrate. He was chair of the commissioners when he resigned effective Dec. 31, 2024 to take a job as a Warren County magistrate. There is an edit to his response above in parenthesis. After speaking with the candidate after the deadline to submit responses, it was obvious a computer word processing program changed his script from what he intended.)

• What’s your resume for being Sheriff?

My background combines military service, law enforcement experience, education, and public leadership, all of which have prepared me to serve effectively as Sheriff.

I am a veteran with 12 years of service in Military Intelligence, where I developed strong skills in discipline, operations, security awareness, and decision-making under pressure. I have also worked for more than 20 years as a Fugitive Recovery Agent and Bail Bondsman, giving me extensive hands-on experience in locating offenders, understanding the criminal justice system, and working closely with law enforcement agencies.

My educational background supports my practical experience. I earned an accounting degree through the military, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s degree in Behavioral and Social Science with a focus on mental health. This combination allows me to understand not only the operational side of law enforcement, but also budgeting, administration, and the mental health challenges that often impact those within the justice system.

In addition, I have served as a County Commissioner and Chairman, where I have experience overseeing budgets, policies, and public safety matters at the county level. I also served as a Magistrate Judge, which has given me direct experience with the court system, warrants, and legal processes.

Together, my military service, field experience, education, and leadership roles have prepared me to lead with structure, accountability, and a strong understanding of both law enforcement operations and the community we serve.

• If you are running for re-election, what are some highlights of your service in your role?

N/A

• If you’re a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an
  elected body? 

Definitely not a newcomer; goal is still the same, ensure that the citizens of Vance County are priority.

• Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.

While a traditional law enforcement background can be valuable, it is not a legal requirement to serve as Sheriff. The primary requirement is to pass the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) background check. I believe some of the strongest sheriffs come directly from the community because they understand the mindset, concerns, and needs of the people they serve.

Experience alone is not enough without leadership. True leadership means listening, building trust, making sound decisions, and standing accountable to the public. The role of Sheriff is ultimately decided by the people through a popular vote, which means the office should reflect the voice and values of the community.

My goal is to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the citizens we serve by focusing on unity, accountability, and shared purpose. Together, we can move toward a stronger, safer future built on trust, respect, and leadership that truly represents the people.

 

Curtis R. Brame;

• Why are you running for sheriff?

To continue to serve and protect the citizens of Vance County.

• What’s your platform?

Continue to address the priorities that are affecting our communities.

• What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this community faces in the next two years? Five years?

Narcotics, distributing of fentanyl & Opioids that are contributing to overdoses and death, gun violence, mental health, school and Security in the Place of Worship.

• As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

Continue to address salary issues with our Board of Commissioners in order to retain and attract personnel so we can effectively work cases and serve our community.

• What role do you see yourself having in managing the existing detention center and the challenges it faces amidst probable construction of a new facility?

Continue to work with our County Manager, Board of Commissioners, Project Manager, existing Command Staff in both projects, contractors and architects. Solicit information from Sheriffs that have recent constructed a new detention center

• What’s your experience in the public sector?

Community Leader with experience, Open door policy to all, transparent in sharing information.

• What’s your resume for being sheriff?

Over 40 years’ experience with continued education, well trained law enforcement officer officers and have served this county as Sheriff for the last 7 years.

• If you are running for re-election, what are some highlights of your service in your role? Staying the course, continue to serve this county to the best of my ability, protecting and serving, being fair, firm and consistent at all times.
• If you’re a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?

 

• Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.

Review our resume, qualifications, work history, years of training, experience and criminal and civil background for criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

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