STURGIS, S.D. – Incumbent Meade County sheriff Ron Merwin officially announced Tuesday he is running for another term.
“It takes many, many years to get to know the law enforcement demands of citizens living on sparsely populated ranch lands to those in the growingly urban congested areas that abut Rapid City. I am the only candidate, who possesses that knowledge, and as a result, I know how to handle the unique situations that arise from such a complex population base,” Merwin said.
“Times are different today. The world is constantly changing. The Meade County Sheriff’s Office is no exception. Today’s Meade Sheriff’s Department is vastly different from that of even a couple of years ago. Our patrol units have more technology in them than our country’s first manned spaceships.
“The past three years have certainly had its challenges. Covid caused increased demands of our staff. There was no isolation or restrictions from crime. There was no working from home. The office also had some key retirements of long-tenured employees in the law enforcement, dispatch, and corrections departments. These individuals served the county well and earned their retirements.
“I’ve always stayed true to myself and have done my best for the people of Meade County. I am not a flashy sheriff. I’m a consistent, level-headed leader, who has stood firm, yet calm, in countless difficult situations. I believe my deputies deserve such an individual with a proven record guiding them. Meade County needs a sheriff with the proven credibility, I have, to train and inspire throughout the department.
“Meade County is experiencing strong and steady population growth and with it comes an uptick in the jail population and law enforcement incidents. The recent daily jail inmate population has hovered between 60-70 individuals. Some of the increase is due to a prevalence of drug-related issues and resulting crimes. Meade County has been acting as a regional facility housing prisoners for Butte, Perkins, Dewey, Ziebach, Corson, Harding, and Walworth counties. I negotiated with these counties to house their inmates. It is a jail cost savings for Meade County taxpayers.
“My employees have formed strong, mutually respectful relationships. This type of environment is consistent and benefits not just the employees but all Meade County residents. I firmly believe good relationships with employees and the public is the key to success in the business of law enforcement. My door is always open, and my phone is on 24/7/365.
“One key responsibility of a sheriff is often overlooked and that is management. I am the only person seeking this office that has years of experience managing and budgeting for an employee workforce of nearly 60 individuals when dispatch, corrections, coroner, and sheriff’s office are combined.
Merwin concluded, “My whole life has been public service. I have tried hard over the years to be proactive and conservative in the business of law enforcement, which is generally a reactive business. I would humbly appreciate the opportunity to continue serving as your sheriff. Thank you for your many years of dedicated support.”
Merwin is facing a challenge by Pat West, who announced his candidacy last month.
