Sheriff candidates vie for office

Sheriff Ron Peckman, seeking a third term, and his opponent, Jeffrey Prater, each have an extensive law enforcement background.

Peckman was a deputy for 10 years before being elected to the position in 2000 and has attended Fort Scott Community College and Missouri Southern as well as having earned many hours of continuing education credits.

In terms of experience, Prater cites his duty as a law enforcement officer in Florida where he participated in community policing on the streets of south Florida as both a uniformed officer and an undercover officer. Prater also cites many hours of continuing education in law enforcement. Both candidates have military experience; Peckman spent four years in the U.S. Navy and Prater served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Prater states that he would make a major change in the way that the department operates, assigning all officers a share of night and weekend duty. Peckman said that he rotates the deputies as much as possible but that he tries to make sure that all personnel working shifts with little or no backup have sufficient training and experience to handle the added responsibility.

Prater said that he felt that an important fact to consider is that he had lived debt-free for 15 years. "I have lived debt-free for the past 15 years, this I feel is very important for the handling of finances of the sheriff's office. If I can handle finances at home that well, I can do the same for the sheriff's office."

Peckman points to his record since he was elected. "First elected as Vernon County Sheriff in 2000, I have been under budget, and brought in more than $640,000 in grants as well as $40,000 in seizure money back to Vernon County."

Both candidates point to the importance of combating drugs in the county.

Peckman said he has focused on fighting drugs and that it shows in the statistics. "When I started I felt that if we worked on the drug problem the other crimes would drop," Peckman said. "The statistics for the last several years are showing this. Crimes such as rape, assault, domestic abuse and others are declining."

Prater said that with the change in how personnel are scheduled would come a different focus. "The next challenge would be the war on drugs," Prater said. "We have the tools and resources and I will use them here in Vernon County. I will let these communities and all who live in Vernon County know that you will see us a lot in the next four years or more."

Prater gave examples of his law enforcement background.

"I worked both undercover and in uniform to combat the crimes of drugs, prostitution, and burglaries in the areas. I did make a difference by the numerous arrests. I also participated in several great American clean ups of numerous properties. This dramatically reduced the amount of call for service and crime in these areas I worked."

Peckman cited his long involvement in civic activities and programs to involve the community in working together to reduce crime.

"I have worked with the citizens of Vernon County on fighting and preventing crime," Peckman said.

"This, with the educational programs that we take to the schools, 4-H and other civic organizations; the ride along program that we have, so that citizens can see what we do; working with the drug court, all these are ways of preventing crime. All of this is community policing, working with others. I say 'we' a lot. I can't do this alone, I am a team player along with an excellent staff to serve you."

"I always give 110 percent," Prater said. "No matter what task I'm given in life I always give more, that's reflected in the meritorious promotions I got in the Marines. This will be of benefit to Vernon County because I'll be doing the same for them."