Thursday night, another candidate entered the 2024 sheriff’s race. Kenneth Merritt, a local business owner, has announced that he plans to run for sheriff.
On Thursday night, Merritt released a lengthy statement via Facebook. Here is his announcement:
“Today marks a new chapter in the journey of our community as I proudly announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Coffee County. I am a man who is committed to our safety and well-being as a community, and I have been for decades. It is with great honor and excitement that I introduce myself, a devoted family man, a dedicated Coffee Countian, and a beacon of integrity as I step forward to run for the esteemed position of Coffee County sheriff.
“42 years of marriage, 4 children, and 7 grandchildren, I understand the profound responsibility of keeping our families safe and secure. My journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by personal tragedy, which has only strengthened my resolve to serve. The loss of my 19-year-old son 20 years ago ignited a fire within me to make a difference, to ensure that no family endures such heartache in vain.
“Guided by my core principles of honesty, hard work, respect, integrity, fairness, and transparency, I embody the values that are the heart of our Coffee County community. My commitment to these principles isn’t mere rhetoric: it’s my way of life. My life has been marked by a steadfast dedication to upholding our values, while my demeanor has earned me respect among my community members.
“My decision to run for this position is a culmination of careful consideration, a testament to my deep love for this community and a recognition that now, more than ever, we need leaders who are driven by honor and commitment to service of our community, not ourselves. My pledge is to run a clean and honorable campaign because I’m focused on the issues, finding solutions, and uniting our community.
“Beyond my dedication to public service, I bring a wealth of experience as a successful business owner. I have skillfully managed two thriving businesses, one since 1981 and another for 25 years. These enterprises stand as a testament to my ability to lead, to navigate challenges, and to foster growth. This experience uniquely equips me to make informed decisions and strategic choices for the betterment of our community.
“As we embark on this journey together, please rally behind me, a man who embodies the qualities we need in our sheriff. Come together to support me, Kenneth Merritt. I’m not just a candidate but a man of the people, a man who understands our needs, concerns, and hopes for a safer future.
“Continue to follow me for more updates as I work toward a brighter and safer community, one where my legacy of dedication and service will thrive.”