WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Slate Simons is the first to announce his campaign for sheriff in Houston County. While the election for Houston County Sheriff is a year away, Simons is putting his hat into the ring early.
The former sergeant served 20 years under Cullen Talton, who is the longest-serving sheriff in the state. Simons said he has tremendous respect for Talton.
“It’s an honor to follow behind Cullen Talton," Simons said. "I think he’s the greatest lawman in the United States.”
Simons said being elected after Cullen's reign of over 50 years would be an honor.
"Should I be blessed enough to be his successor I would still love to call on him for advice for future endeavors," Simons said.
Simons wants to focus on developing the youth in Houston County.
“I want to create an exploring program, so for younger kids and teenagers, I want them to have avenues to pursue to gain knowledge and spend some time with law enforcement like the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. I’m going to have mutual aid events with EMS, Houston County Fire," Simons said.
Simons also wants to share education to better protect the community.
“I want to create a citizen’s police academy. You know I want to give them the information, the knowledge, some skills that they can use to help us help them," Simons said.
Back in 2017, Simons was put in a life-threatening position when his K-9 attacked him forcing him to shoot him down.
"We don’t know why exactly it happened because he was not a rogue dog. I am the only one in Houston County Sheriff’s Office’s history to win nationals with my K-9 in the category of obedience. Okay? Then I did it two years in a row, so this an anomaly and we don’t know why it exactly happened, but it happened and it’s something I have to live with," Simons explained.
Simons used his faith to realize he could run for sheriff.
“I take my training knowledge and experience with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, all the citizens that have reached out to me that basically said ‘Hey we want you to consider running for sheriff’, and concluding running a very successful business," Simons. "We peaked at number one in all of middle Georgia, so I collectively but all of that together."
Simons is running as a Republican. The primary elections will be in May, and the new sheriff will be elected in November 2024.