A third candidate vies for Sheriff

Jeannie Barton-Northrup; jnorthrup@dailyjournalonline.com

Tim Harris (Kandid King Photography)

Sgt. Tim Harris with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department announced his intention to run for St. Francois County Sheriff Tuesday.

Harris joins fellow law enforcement officials Jasen Crump and Jeff Crites, who announced their intentions to run for the office earlier this summer. All three men are planning to run on the Republican ticket for 2024. 

Incumbent Dan Bullock has not yet made any announcements regarding his intentions of running for re-election. Primary elections are scheduled for Aug. 6, 2024. The window for candidates to file paperwork to be included on the primary ballot officially is from July 10, 2024, to March 26, 2024. 

Harris launched a campaign website and Facebook page. In a press release, Harris said, “Throughout my career, I’ve remained devoted to serving the citizens of St. Francois County. Now, I’m excited to take this commitment to the next level by running for the position of St. Francois County Sheriff. My aim is to continue to build a professional, effective, and accountable law enforcement organization that ensures the safety and well-being of all residents.”

According to the press release, Harris is a 24-year St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department veteran with a distinguished record. The release states that with a strong commitment to public safety, community engagement, and the protection of constitutional rights, Harris brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of law enforcement in the county. Harris says he has a proven track record of dedication to public safety and a comprehensive vision for the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department. Harris says he aims to enhance the county’s safety, strengthen community bonds, and ensure justice and fairness for all residents.

Harris said his career in law enforcement began in 2000 when he graduated from the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy and joined the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in the jail division. Over the years, Harris said, his dedication and professionalism have led to several promotions within the department, including roles as a patrol deputy, K-9 handler, narcotics detective, detective sergeant, and now sergeant of the Sheriff’s Patrol Division.

The press release states Harris’s time as a Detective Sergeant with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in St. Louis equipped him with valuable experience tackling large-scale narcotics investigations. Through collaborative efforts, Harris says he played a vital role in seizing significant quantities of illicit drugs and drug money plaguing Missouri communities. Harris says this extensive experience has fueled his determination to target drug trafficking within St. Francois County

In March of 2021, Harris stated he left the DEA to become the Sheriff’s Patrol Division Sergeant, where he began supervising and managing 17 Patrol Deputies. He claims he was integral to the Proposition P campaign for St. Francois County. Harris stated he is determined to enhance department-wide training by embracing modern technology and comprehensive classes. Harris also believes collaboration with the local community is essential to success.

“As a candidate for St. Francois County Sheriff, my vision is clear: I am dedicated to building the most professional and competent law enforcement agency possible for the citizens of our county. This commitment extends to every aspect of our approach, from upholding constitutional rights and ensuring Second Amendment protections

to optimizing manpower allocation through strategic techniques. We will work tirelessly to increase the presence of Deputies on patrol, making our communities safer and more secure,” Harris said.

“Our community is the heart of our work, and strong partnerships are essential. I am committed to working closely with groups, organizations, and individual citizens to foster collaboration that drives us towards our mutual goals,” Harris stated. “We will continue vital initiatives like the ‘Shop With a Cop’ program, collaborate with mental health and addiction counselors to provide essential support, and extend Parent Education programs in our local school districts to help parents safeguard their children in today’s complex society.”

Harris and his wife, Katie, are parents of four children and have been active members of the St. Francois County community for over two decades. Harris believes his comprehensive platform, years of service within St. Francois County, and well-rounded training will allow him to stand out in the race.

“With this comprehensive platform, I am confident that together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more unified St. Francois County,” Harris said. “It’s time to shape a future where our law enforcement agency stands as a beacon of professionalism, our constitutional rights are safeguarded, our communities are served with excellence, and our bonds with the community are fortified through genuine partnership.”