My Background

I am born and raised in the great City of Salem. I am a proud graduate of Salem High School and proudly raise my family in the City of Salem. I am the father to three wonderful children who attend City of Salem Schools and have a loving fiancée who is an educator within the City of Salem Schools.

Two decades of law enforcement service, relationships I've built, love for my community and a personal drive to always do better has prepared me for this opportunity. If elected as your next Sheriff, I would never take this opportunity for granted and will work tirelessly to have a positive impact on our great city.

Career

I began my service to the City of Salem in November 2004 as a deputy sheriff with the Salem Sheriff's Office. I continued my service within the Salem Sheriff's Office through February 2012.

Although I was grateful for my years at the Sheriff's Office, I wanted greater training and growth opportunities while still serving the community I love.

In 2012, I decided to seek an opportunity with the Salem Police Department. I was successfully hired and have continued my service there to this present day. While at the Police Department, I have served as Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Senior Police Officer, Forensics Officer, Detective and Patrol Sergeant.

Through my 20-year law enforcement career, I have developed a track record of operational experience and exemplary leadership. Throughout my career, I've overseen both uniformed and specialized units, while also providing pertinent training to personnel at all levels. It is my goal to utilize my blend of experience between both departments to help build a more cohesive relationship between the two agencies. I also want to increase the training opportunities for those serving within the Sheriff's Office so they may be more prepared to serve the citizens of Salem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are just a few of the questions I get asked often, so I thought I would share them with you

If you are elected, would you retain the current staff?

The Salem Sheriff's Office is a very unique office in how it is organized in conjunction with the responsibilities and duties it must fulfill; therefore, It would be unwise to part with the current staff. My goal is not to replace members within the Sheriff's Office, but to build and improve on what is already established.

Why did you go from the Sheriff's Office to the Police Department?

The way the Sheriff's Office is currently structured, I was limited on training opportunities and experience to continue to grow as a law enforcement officer and leader. I wanted to continue to serve the City of Salem and saw the Police Department as a place that would allow me to expand my knowledge and continue to grow. This move proved successful as I have been afforded many great opportunities to learn and grow, which I wouldn't have at the Sheriff's Office.

It has always been a goal of mine to become the Sheriff of Salem. I now want to take the experiences and opportunities I've gained at the Police Department and apply those to the Sheriff's Office. I want every member of the Sheriff's Office to feel valued, invested in and have continuous growth. I will use my experiences at both places to build a more cohesive relationship between the Sheriff's Office and Police Department.

Are you affiliated with a political party?

I am not currently affiliated with a political party. In full transparency though, I am considered a moderate republican based on my voting history. What's most important is that I am an individual who will make unbiased decisions for myself based on the knowledge I have, credible information I've received, community input and what I feel is morally and ethically correct. Our great city is very diverse, and it is important that I make decisions that are in the best interest of all citizens.

How can I help with your campaign?

There are many ways to assist with my campaign.

Financially: Financial support can be provided by monetary donations through cash or checks payable to Shelor4Sheriff. It can be delivered to me personally or by mail to:

Shelor4Sheriff

P.O. Box 2987

Salem, VA 24153

Volunteering: There are so many opportunities to volunteer. You may help with one of my community events, passing out flyers, stickers, signage etc. You may also volunteer with canvassing neighborhoods and business districts. I can provide you with materials and items to assist with this effort.

Services or Goods: Community events are the best way to provide assistance through services or goods. Examples could be donating food, drinks, giveaways items, raffle items etc. It could also be simpler such as offering your lot or business as a place to meet for events or gatherings.

Conversation: A simple and wonderful way to help is the power of word of mouth! Help spread the great things I am trying to do for both the Salem Sheriff's Office and the City of Salem. Accurate and effective face to face communication is priceless.

In all there are countless ways to help, many of which don't involve money. I have ways to help that are suitable for the extraverted and introverted personalities. I thank everyone for your support, no matter in which way it is demonstrated. Together we will have a positive impact on our community, and I thank you for your commitment to my campaign!

My Background

Career

Frequently Asked Questions

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