I am writing this letter in response to an article (“Constable asks sheriff to follow no-run rule”) printed in the December 11 edition. It stated that a county sheriff’s deputy had been allowed to campaign while on duty. This statement is simply not true.

I ran for District Four supervisor and will assure you that I know more about the code of ethics than most. I never used a county vehicle or county time to advance my campaign.

Following service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era I was honorably discharged. I believe in pride and dignity of service. I worked a career with the Federal government and retired with a perfect record.

I also am the county deputy referred to in the article as “no longer employed at the department.” I am the same deputy who graduated from the training academy with honors and who was instrumental in solving numerous burglaries in our county and surrounding counties.

I had the privilege to work under one of law enforcement’s finest chief deputies, Andrew Estridge, and can assure you he would not have tolerated any infraction of policy.

I conducted myself in a very professional manner on and off duty. I treated all with respect and in return I got respect.

The sheriff’s department has always had a policy that allowed its employees to run for office. Maybe if their pay was enough, this would take care of itself. Most officers have to work two jobs to support their families.

Or maybe even having better background checks on candidates to include minor traffic violations, simple domestic violence or even filing bankruptcy would help.

I am sure that there are other things that could be addressed. For now, I am still deciding on whether I will run for another office in the future. I love this county and will do all I can to make it a better place to live.

Jarrell L. Mills