Catoosa County Manager, Mike Helton, Announces Candidacy for Sheriff of Catoosa County

February 1, 2012 - Ringgold, GA

Catoosa County Manager Mike Helton said he is running for sheriff of Catoosa County.

Sheriff Phil Summers announced recently he will not seek re-election.

Mr. Helton said, "I am publicly announcing my candidacy for the office of sheriff of Catoosa County.   I am aware there is a need to be filled as our current sheriff retires, and I have the ability to meet that need.

"I offer over 27 years of public service experience, which includes serving over 16 years in law enforcement at Catoosa County Sheriff's Office and East Ridge Police Department, seven years as Catoosa County Magistrate Court Judge and have been serving for the past 4 ½ years as county manager for Catoosa County.

"I am a graduate of The Georgia State Police Academy, The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.  I have extensive law enforcement training in patrol and criminal investigations.  Prior to accepting the appointment as Catoosa County Magistrate Judge, I served as Captain of the Criminal Investigative Division of Catoosa County Sheriff's Office.  Other positions served include school resource officer at Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School, patrol officer and investigator. 

"As Catoosa County Magistrate Judge, I was responsible for maintaining the integrity of the court and conducted both civil and criminal court hearings.  I worked with the Catoosa County School System and their social workers to create the School Attendance Court. This court was, and still is, effective at increasing attendance and lowering the dropout rates in our county.  I maintained professional relationships with all law enforcement agencies within the county while acquiring a more in-depth knowledge of the law as it relates to all criminal and civil aspects the court deals with on a daily basis.

"As Catoosa County Manager, I have exercised proven ability to lead our county through very challenging times in the past 4 ½ years.   Despite budget reductions, we have continued to provide professional service while maximizing our resources and practicing good stewardship of public funds.  Striving for excellence in each of our 15 departments is the objective for all of our work.  One of my goals has been to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with elected officials, the Catoosa County School System, the City of Fort Oglethorpe, the City of Ringgold and other official entities throughout our region and state. 

"I am committed to:

•    Keeping Catoosa County citizens and their neighborhoods safe.

•    Maintaining the current level of professionalism and increasing it.

•    The prevention and early detection of crime.

•    Fiscal Responsibility:  I have proven myself to be a careful and conservative custodian of taxpayer money since becoming county manager in 2007.  I will seek ways to enhance services by maximizing available resources.

•    Being a strong ally to our school system.

"I live in the Woodstation community with my wife, Susie.  We have a blended family with eight children, five of whom have graduated from Catoosa County Schools and three currently attending Heritage High School.  We are actively involved in our community and our church, Poplar Springs Baptist in Ringgold.

"With increased crime threats facing our community and the current economic downturn, I want to ensure that our citizens and businesses are not only protected from criminals, but I also want to foster the kind of environment that welcomes new businesses and job opportunities for our citizens.  Our sheriff needs to have the right combination of street experience, training and administrative experience to handle the job. With experience that covers a vast array of county government, I believe I am the most uniquely qualified candidate to lead our sheriff's office."