Johnson County Sheriff Larry Jones announced on Facebook today that he would not be seeking re-election in the 2018 Johnson County election process.
The entire text of his Facebook announcement reads as follows:
“With a heavy heart I, along with my wife, have decided not to run for a third term as your Johnson County Sheriff. The decision is not something that I take lightly. It’s a decision that was made after careful consideration, prayer, and conversation with my family and friends. I am very grateful for their ongoing support through out this difficult choice.
“When I became Sheriff I jumped in with both feet. I am a hands-on elected official that believes in community awareness , honesty, integrity and professionalism. You have my word that I will continue this throughout the remainder of my term.
“I am confident that the next Sheriff will continue to serve the citizens in a way that you deserve. I will do all that I can to make this a smooth transition when the time comes.
Thank you to each of you that have supported me and my family from my first announcement to run as Johnson County Sheriff until now.
“I appreciate you more than you will ever know. My heart is humbled each and every day.”
Perhaps the new sheriff will instruct his subordinates to follow protocol (i.e. Ensuring an individual (that is obviously in need of) receives proper medical attention when in their custody, rather than allowing him/her to DIE in custody after having been in their custody for more than 12 hours.