A personal note to my neighbors in Laclede County....

Thank you for taking the time to visit my official campaign website.  As you probably already guessed, the name of this website - Working Sheriff.com - is more than just a simple, thrown-together name.  In fact, it is the theme of my campaign team.  Furthermore.... it will be the theme of my tenure as your Sheriff!

Many people in our community are not fully aware of what the Sheriff does and what the position entails.  Many people who live in Laclede County's Cities that have their own city police (Lebanon, Conway, and Richland) think that their city police handle their security needs; They think they are not impacted or affected by the "county" Sheriff.  Quite the opposite is true!  In fact, many things the Sheriff and his department do directly influence your safety and your community's quality.  In example, in your time of need, your emergency call to 9-1-1 is answered at the Laclede County Sheriff's Office located in Lebanon.  At that point, you deserve to have your emergency call answered in a professional manner.  You deserve that your needs are promptly directed to the appropriate responders by trained, focused emergency dispatchers.  Your moment of need is not the time to be let down and find out about life-threatening problems in the 911 dispatch center.  You don't deserve to watch your property burn because the 911 Staff responds inadequately.

It is the duty of the Sheriff to ensure that the 911 center, along with other department operations- such as the patrol division, investigations, jail facility, and courthouse security- are run in a smooth and fiscally responsible manner 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every day of the year.  That is what the Sheriff owes to you! 

I have vowed to not "personally jab" the current sheriff.  However, on a professional level, myself and many others feel that the current sheriff is failing to do what is owed to you.  He is leading an operation that is inadequate and unsafe in many regards.  Many problems haven't been fixed in his 8 years as Sheriff; they won't get fixed using the current "business as usual" course!  It's time to pave a new direction in our county!

Many of you remember me from my close run for Sheriff in the summer of 2000.  At that time, I had significant business management experience, was an EMT, a former rural firefighter/first responder of 8 years, and a professional police officer.  Today, in 2008, I come back asking again for your consideration in becoming your Sheriff.  Today, I have significantly more to offer you as your Sheriff.  Since 2000, I have obtained federal agent training and experience, several more years experience in law enforcement and business operations, and am currently the Chief of Police for the City of Richland, located in northeast Laclede County.

I know, beyond any doubt, that I am fully prepared and well qualified to serve as your next Sheriff in Laclede County.  I am "asking" for the opportunity to serve you for one reason- I love the work, enjoy challenges, and know I can & will excel as your Sheriff.

I WILL NOT MAKE EMPTY PROMISES; I will only make realistic commitments.  I am committed to working smart and working hard... promoting POSITIVE growth and direction in our county. I am committed to increasing the safety and security of my family, your family, and our property.  I am committed to being YOUR Sheriff... being available and responsive to the needs of OUR community.

Placing the sheriff's office back on the right track will not be a quick task.  I can guarantee it will never be perfect... but I do guarantee I will constantly WORK hard to improve it.  My team will make mistakes, but we will learn from our mistakes and work to make it better!  Like anything successful, it will be a "work in progress".

As I stand here asking for your support, I assure you I am not looking for a short-term position.  I have served our community in various public safety positions (from firefighter to police chief) for almost 16 years.  I love serving the community as a law enforcement administrator and need your support and vote of confidence in making me your professional, long-term Laclede County Sheriff.  Once you allow me to get the office on track, I'm sure you will be impressed and proud of our department for years to come!

Please use this site as a resource to get to know me a little better.  Never hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you have. E-mail me at MikeHurney@WorkingSheriff.com or call  417-588-1118.

Thank you for your kind consideration!

Sincerely,

Michael "Mike" Hurney

Your Professional Candidate

for Laclede County Sheriff