Meet Terry Allen for Sheriff

The citizens of Franklin County may ask why Terry W. Allen wants to run and be elected Sheriff.  In response to that question, Terry Allen, who filed for the Sheriff’s race on Tuesday Feb. 28, says: “I want to make a difference in the Sheriff’s Office.  I will be a dedicated public servant and provide protection for Franklin County citizens and their property."

Allen vows to raise the standards and the accountability of the sheriff’s Office through professionalism, ethical conduct and by ensuring the highest standards of law enforcement are upheld. 

“With the assistance of staff and citizens, I believe we can enhance the quality of life for all of us.  Together we can work to prevent crime and promote the well being of all," said Allen.

Allen plans to build the integrity and accountability for the actions of the Sheriff’s Office.  “Citizens need to know they can trust and depend on law enforcement officials to represent and uphold the law.   We are accountable to the citizens of Franklin County and should serve as role models in order to earn the support and respect of the citizens,” said Allen. 

Also of importance to Allen is adequate training and equipment.  “It is difficult to do your job if you don’t have the necessary training and equipment.  I would like to work closely with state and federal agencies to secure grants to help fund programs to meet these needs,” says Allen. 

One area of interest for Allen is to make certain elderly citizens are protected and cared for through joint efforts involving the Sheriff’s Office and citizens in the community.  “I believe the elderly should be checked on through telephone check-ins by the sheriff’s department and citizens in the community.  I would like to build a program in which the sheriff’s Office can check on them, particularly during inclement weather," said Allen.

Allen says he has been approached regarding his plans for current staff members if he is elected.  “In my opinion,” said Allen, “The greatest asset of the Sheriff’s Office is the staff.   As long as their goals are to serve the citizens of Franklin County in a fair and unbiased manner, and in accordance with the laws of this state, then the decision to remain or resign would be theirs.” 

Allen indicates that he is the only one running for office that has no ties to the current administration or past administrations.   He sees this as a positive element of his campaign. When asked about the other candidates, Allen says: “I know each of them and consider them friends and associates in the law enforcement community.   However the campaign turns out, I will still think of them this way.” 

Allen has served as a law enforcement officer for over twenty-six years.  In speaking about his career he says: “Looking back over the years makes me realize the importance of good training, professionalism, and strong morals in the success of any law enforcement organization.  Without these, an organization cannot effectively serve and protect the citizens.”    

Allen feels it’s time for the citizens of Franklin County to speak a resounding “NO” to drugs, gangs, domestic violence, and other crimes.  “It’s time we put our foot down and let the criminal component know we own our communities, towns, and county.  We have to let them know that law enforcement and citizens are working together to ensure our communities are safe.  This has to be done, not only for our safety, but for our children and grandchildren as well," said Allen.