Almarode announces run for sheriff

VERONA — Cpl. Derek Almarode of the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, fresh off his boss's announcement that he is retiring, is running for the Republican nomination for sheriff.

Almarodeannounced the decision on Thursday night at the Augusta County Government Center. However, Almarode said he'sbeen consideringa run for sheriff for several years and said he decided about 18 months ago that he was ready.

"I think it's something I've always wanted to do," said the 21-year veteran of the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. "Obviously, I was waiting on a confirmation from the sheriff that he was not seeking re-election and was going to officially retire."

Augusta County Sheriff Randy Fisher told The News Leader on Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of the year.

A crime prevention officer for the past several years, Almarode, 43, spends much of his day doing community policing by educating the public through seminars, working with the elderly or speaking to children through the county's parks and recreation department. "I believeeducation is iscrucial to the citizen's safety and the staff's safety," he said.

Almarodealso supervises the K-9 unit for the sheriff's office. "I was an active handler for years," he said.

If elected, Almarode plans to restructure the sheriff's office anddivisionalize, which he said will give additional assistance to deputies responding to an incident. Last year, the sheriff's office had more than 40,000 calls for service, he said.

Almarodesaid he'd also like to expand the department's staff using current county resources, and would like to see more resource officers in the county school system in an effort to build stronger bonds between students and deputies.

"I want them to know who we are," Almarode said. "I want to change the perception of policing with our children."

Almarodesaid if elected he will try to hire a full-time crime analyst, and said he will promote and encourage community partnerships with civic and business groups as well. "It's pro-active, which is key," he said.

In December, Almarode filed a "statement of organization" with the county voter registrar's office announcing his intention to run, and said the response from his supporters has been extremely positive.

"The citizens deserve the best, and I intend to provide it," he said.

For more information, visit www.AlmarodeForSheriff.com.