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AULANDER – Tyrone M. Ruffin of Aulander has announced his candidacy for the Office of Sheriff Bertie County.

“The right candidate at the right time is my campaign motto,” Ruffin said in a press release. “That’s my motto because I’m qualified, experienced, and through my career as a law enforcement officer I have built the trust of the people I serve to be a proven leader.

“I asked myself two questions, can I benefit Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and can I benefit the citizens of Bertie County,” Ruffin continued. “With 14 years of law enforcement experience, a graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice from Pitt Community College, I’ve served in the role of supervisor since 2011, I’ve trained 15-plus law enforcement officers, and I’ve attended and completed numerous specialized trainings through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards.”

Ruffin said two of those courses have been very beneficial to his career.

“Crisis Intervention Team Training taught by specialized instructors to prepare officers how to respond to individuals having a mental health crisis and the other is Advanced Civil Process taught by Susan Moore,” Ruffin said. “Susan Moore is a retired Sheriff’s Attorney for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and also former attorney and law enforcement trainer with the North Carolina Justice Academy.”

Ruffin’s law enforcement career includes eight years as a town/city police office and six years with the Sheriff’s Office.

“Therefore, I and am well-rounded and effective in the criminal process of law and the execution of the civil process of law,” Ruffin said. “I came to Bertie County Sheriff’s Office in December 2020 and was promoted to Sergeant of Patrol on March 25, 2021 under the leadership of Sheriff John Holley. I have become familiar with Bertie County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedure and have what it takes to excel the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office to the next level.

“My focus is to incorporate a standard operating procedure, and incorporate a progression training program,” Ruffin added. “I will work closely with the Bertie County School Board to have an effective school safety and security plan, work to reduce the Bertie Sheriff’s Office turn-over rate, and be a visual and a community-oriented Sheriff’s Office. I will partner with health care providers to develop interventions for individuals with mental illnesses, and combat violent criminals and drug distribution.”