Rex Churchill, a Republican candidate for Texas County sheriff, shares information and answers questions before the August primary election.
Tell readers about yourself.
I was born in Missouri and grew up as a military dependent. I have family in the Cabool area. My third cousin George Pettigrew was first postmaster, city treasurer and a member of the Cabool school board. I joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp program at Fort Meade, Maryland. During this time, I volunteered with Fort Meade Military Police and Andrews Air Force Base Security Police. I also volunteered with Anne Arundel County Police Youth Explorers. My family moved to Springfield in 1995, where I helped to establish the first U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in Springfield, Missouri. I graduated from Hillcrest High School in Springfield in 1996. I spent two and one-half years in the Missouri National Guard and in 2002 I joined the U.S. Army (active duty) for three and one-half years as an enlisted military police soldier. I obtained my POST license in 2006. I have resided in southeast Texas County since 2014 with my wife Kim, my daughters, Anna and Hazel, and my son Morgan. I received my Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Drury University. I am currently nearing completion of my Master of Science in Criminology at Wichita State University.
What prompted you to run, or rerun for this position?
The first reason I chose to run for Texas County sheriff is because of multiple interactions I have had with some of the citizens of Texas County, which has been somewhat negative until they find out that I do not work for Texas County Sheriff’s Office and I can see the relief in their expressions and words. This to me symbolizes a possible problem within the system/sheriff’s office. I cannot complain about the situation if I am not willing to step up to be part of the solution. The next reason is because I live in Texas County and this is my home. I want to help my fellow citizens/neighbors. Third, as a deputy sheriff unlike a city police officer there are not any chances for advancement except to run for sheriff. Finally, once my master’s degree is completed, I can put it to use to help the citizens of Texas County.
How do you plan to actively engage with our community throughout your term?
I would like to institute an open-door policy for the community to be able to come in to speak with me to express concerns they may have. I would also like to be able to establish town hall meetings at least once a month for the ones who cannot make it to my office or if I am unavailable due to job duties when they come in. Assisting citizens with mental health crises and working with resources to ensure the citizens are able to get the help they need. I would like to implement some diversion programs to help prevent repeat offenders. I would also like to help establish or implement some programs for youth who may need a support system(s) and positive influence(s).
What are your top three priorities for our locality, and how do you plan to address them?
My first priority is to seek or gain funding to increase the number of deputies to allow for 24-hour countywide coverage and more rigorous training for jail staff. This could be achieved by going to the county commissioners for an increase in the sheriff’s office budget each year. Also, locating, applying and being awarded grants. As for the jail staffing, this would include sending them to jailers training course(s) conducted by the Missouri Sheriff’s Association. My second priority is to clear out any old/unsolved cases, starting with the oldest first. This can be achieved by more staff and interagency cooperation such as MSHP, DDCC or depending on the case the FBI. My final priority is to take a more proactive stance in the community in regards to criminal activity. This can be achieved by increasing deputy presence and/or more deputies actively patrolling.