Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese will run for Marengo County Sheriff.

Reese announced his candidacy Friday afternoon.

“After much prayer, I decided to seek the office of sheriff of Marengo County because I believe that the citizens of the county deserve the very best protection and services from the Sheriff’s Office,” Reese said. “I feel an obligation to help create positive change for our communities. It is my pledge to return the ‘Office of Sheriff’ back to the people.”

If elected, Reese said young people and senior citizens would be a priority.

“The time is now to develop a level of service, second to none, by providing special assistance for two of our most precious resources: our youth and senior citizens,” Reese said. “Being a parent myself, I am reminded daily of the danger and pitfalls facing our children, such as drugs, gangs and other criminal activities.”

Reese said he would also work to increase training and build community partnerships.

“I will also stand accountable, ensuring that all Marengo County Sheriff’s Office personnel are professionally trained to meet the needs of the community and to perform tasks with a high level of proficiency,” Reese said. “Two of the largest problems I see in the county is the community disconnect with law enforcement and the law enforcement disconnect with law enforcement. I want to bridge that gap and make the Sheriff’s Office once again a part of the community.”

Reese said he would work to build partnerships with local school officials, city and county government, sister law enforcement agencies and civic organizations.

He said crime intervention and prevention, innovative community-oriented policing and aggressive attacks on drugs, thefts and burglaries will be additional priorities.

Reese has worked in law enforcement for 30 years and has been Demopolis police chief since 2009. He is a 2002 graduate of the FBI National Academy and is recognized as a Certified Law Enforcement Executive by the state of Alabama and has earned Certification in Police Management Level 4.

“After serving in law enforcement for nearly three decades in Marengo County, I feel the time is right to run for sheriff of my home county,” he said.