Letter to Cherokee County Voters

When I walked into the Sheriff's Office three years ago, I knew the job would be challenging. What I didn't expect was how quickly those challenges would test everything I believed about leadership, faith, and service to our community.

Five days into my term, we faced a critical incident that put Cherokee County in the spotlight. And this past June, one of our detention officers was shot and killed while escorting an inmate to a medical appointment. These moments define a sheriff - not just in how you respond, but in how you learn, adapt, and keep moving forward to protect the people who trusted you with their safety.

The buck stops with me. That's what leadership means.

But here's what I've learned through the fire: Cherokee County doesn't need a sheriff who runs when things get tough. You need someone who's walked through these challenges, learned from them, and emerged stronger - someone who's never wavered in their commitment to this community.

Over the past three years, while facing every dart thrown our way, we've delivered results:

• First patrol expansion since 2012 - two new deputies through a $250,000 federal grant

• Expanded K-9 coverage

• Over $1.3 million secured in grants and donations without touching county funds

• Groundbreaking addiction treatment program that's assessed 600 people in one year

• $1.1 million mental health co-responder program

• Hiwassee Dam substation established

These aren't campaign promises. These are documented achievements that happened while navigating the most challenging situations any sheriff could face.

Twenty-five years in law enforcement has taught me that you don't abandon ship when storms hit - you steady the wheel and keep sailing toward calmer waters. That's exactly what Cherokee County has gotten from me, and it's what you'll continue to get.

The vision for our second term is clear: animal control implementation, sheriff's office accreditation, officer retention improvements, and continued innovation - all while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that's saved taxpayers over $1.3 million.

Cherokee County deserves a sheriff who's been tested by fire and proven reliable under pressure. Someone who's built relationships with federal agencies, secured major grants, and never stopped working for this community - even when the heat was on.

I'm not asking for your vote because the job has been easy. I'm asking for your vote because it hasn't been easy, and I've proven I can handle whatever comes next.

The Republican Primary is March 3, 2026. Cherokee County's future depends on experienced leadership that's already proven it can deliver results under the toughest circumstances.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Respectfully yours,

Sheriff Dustin Smith

P.S. - Cherokee County is moving forward. The momentum is building. The results are undeniable. Let's keep building on what's working.

Letter to Cherokee County Voters

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