KEITH MERRITT FOR SHERIFF
CAMPAIGN STATEMENT
For those of you outside of Precinct One that may not know me, my name is Keith Merritt. I am currently the Constable in Precinct One and have been for the past 13 years. After the last month of an exploratory committee visiting with many of you throughout the county, I am proud to announce, I am seeking your vote for the office of Sheriff of Orange County.
With that said, I want to thank the many people that supported me and brought me to this decision. There were two questions that I needed answered before I could decide to challenge for the office of Sheriff. They were: 1) is Orange County in need of a new direction in the Sheriff’s office and 2) would I offer the kind of experience and skills you, the citizens of Orange County, would like to see as your Sheriff. The answers and the numbers of you who responded were quite amazing. Again, thank you and I will do my very best to make you as proud as you have made me.
For you that do not know me, yet, I have been married to Marlene Hennigan Merritt for the past 38 years. We have two sons, Robert 34 and Craig 31, and two grandchildren, Jordan and Easton.
I served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. I was promoted to the non-commissioned officer rank of E-5 Sergeant. I received an honorable discharge in 1972.
Before going into law enforcement I worked at Chevron Chemical in Orange for a little over 15 years, as both an Operator and then promoted to Supervisor.
I have been a licensed Texas police officer for the past 28 years. In 1979 I began as a Reserve Deputy with the Orange Sheriffs Department. I then went on to serve as Deputy Constable Pct One working with Constable Jack Thompson. I worked as an Investigator for the Orange County District Attorney. Then went on to become the Constable Pct One. I currently hold an Advanced Peace Officer certification with over 1,100 hours of specialized training. I will soon have my Master Peace Officer certification.
From 1989 to 2004 I was the trainer and handler for Orange County drug dogs "Ali" and "Thor". This was a very rewarding experience for me. The K-9 program was a huge success for area law enforcement and the citizens of Orange County, confiscating over $8,000,000 worth of narcotics and properties. During this time I gave over 300 demonstrations and drug awareness talks using Ali and Thor to all area schools in Orange County. Thus educating over 30,000 students about the dangers of drugs.
I am a 12 year member of the Orange Lions Club and in my 6th year on the board of directors. In 2006 I was named "Lion of the year".
I also hold, since 1997, a private pilot's license with the Federal Aviation Administration.
I am very excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I have the experience, knowledge, and desire to carry out the duties of Sheriff. I sincerely care about the citizens of Orange County. I plan to bring a management style that will deliver professionalism, courtesy, trust, and integrity to the citizens of Orange County. I have heard the citizens' concerns and needs. One of my goals as Sheriff will be to address your concerns and needs. You deserve and will receive the very best in law enforcement services when you elect me your Sheriff.
I have an excellent working relationship with the County Judge and all of the commissioners, as well as other elected officials, department heads, and employees of Orange County. I look forward working with the County Judge and Commissioners Court on how the Sheriffs Department can provide professional law enforcement services for all of the precincts in the county. Providing you with a Sheriff’s department that you can be proud of at a cost the taxpayers can afford.
For the past 28 years I have enjoyed a special working relationship with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. I am eager to start working with the many fine and dedicated employees at the Sheriffs Office.
As your next Sheriff, I make this pledge, the Orange County Sheriff will work diligently to earn your trust and respect and that immediate attention will be afforded to each and every problem as they arise within the county.
I thank you again for your overwhelming support and humbly ask for your vote to make me your next Sheriff.
Sincerely,
