To the Editor:

My name is Bobby “Brad” Worrell Jr. I was born and raised in Franklin, and I’m a 38-year law enforcement veteran. I began my law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff with the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and remained there until I was hired to be a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where I served for 20-plus years. Since my retirement, I teach and develop curriculum for law enforcement officers domestically and overseas for DEA, other government agencies, and private organizations.

I’m endorsing Mark Turner for sheriff of Southampton County and the City of Franklin. I’ve known Mark for 14-plus years and have found him to be a dedicated law enforcement officer with a quiet but effective manner, along with a strategic and fair approach, all which are present in his leadership style.

I worked with Mark when he was a member of the DEA Task Force in Norfolk. While on the task force, Mark had a solid reputation for being reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and collaborative. Mark has also worked on the Virginia State Police’s Meherrin Drug Task Force. His exposure to both federal and state law enforcement techniques along with his two decades with the Sheriff’s Office make Mark an exceptional candidate. His diverse work assignments have not only given him tremendous experience and knowledge, but have afforded him the opportunity to develop strong working relationships with officers from other local, state, and federal agencies, all of which will enable him to make a significant impact on Southampton County, the City of Franklin, all of its citizens and the Sheriff’s Office.

Because of Mark’s varied responsibilities over the past 20 years, he has a thorough understanding of the Sheriff’s Office’s inner workings, and has developed strong working relationships with a majority of its personnel. I’m confident he will be able to lead the Sheriff’s Office in a positive direction by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations and personnel by providing his staff with the necessary training and tools. He will be able to hit the ground running and make critical decisions from day one of his administration.

Mark not only has the knowledge, skills and experience to be the best Sheriff for Southampton County and the City of Franklin, but just as important, he also has integrity, humility and common sense — essential qualities needed from the individual who holds this position. Please vote for Mark Turner on Nov. 5.

Bobby “Brad” Worrell Jr.

Norfolk