WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A fourth candidate has entered the race for Houston County Sheriff.
Jimmy Dunn announced Friday morning that he hopes to win the job that Sheriff Cullen Talton held for five decades.
For over a decade, youth sports have been how Dunn gives back to the community.
"From 2006 - 2011, I was on the board of directors at Warner Robins Little League," Dunn shared.
He says he helped start the WRALL Challenger League in 2010 for special needs and handicap kids, in Houston County. He later served as the Georgia Little League District 5 District Administrator, serving the communities of Warner Robins, Macon, Dudley and Jones counties.
He wrapped up his sports coaching career at Mossy Creek Middle School two years ago. He coached baseball and football.
"I've been working with the youth all my life, so yes, the youth means something to me," he said.
Dunn is a Houston County native, his grandfather moved his family to Warner Robins in the '40s. His grandparents started their careers on the base, and the rest of the family followed suit.
"I spent 23 years at Robins Air Force Base before early retirement," he shared.
Dunn says his care for youth — and appreciation for the county that raised him — is the driving force behind his campaign.
"Last week at the mall, a 14-year-old man, young kid, gets killed," Dunn said.
He says the loss left him disheartened. As the community grows, he wants to bring more programs to guide youth in the right direction.
"Let's get the kids involved. Knowing what we do — what we do at the Houston County Sheriff's Office — letting parents know there are walk-through programs," he said.
He also wants to promote rehabilitation and behavioral health alternatives.
Dunn says he has no law enforcement experience, but he's letting his faith guide him.
"I don't want to be Jonah. I don't want to run away from God's commandment of 'Hey do this,'" Dunn said.
Candidates can qualify for the election in March and their party primary is May 21.
All candidates in the race right now are Republican.