Missoula County Sheriff TJ McDermott Announces Re-Election Plans for 2018

MISSOULA - TJ McDermott, Missoula County's Sheriff, is announcing his candidacy for re-election in 2018. He filed Jan. 11 as a Democratic Candidate in the 2018 Missoula County Sheriff's Election, the first day candidates could file for office.

"Sheriff McDermott is a people-caring person," said former Missoula County Sheriff Doug Chase. "TJ makes sure his people are well trained, well equipped and dedicated to the safety of the general public. My wife and I fully support his decision to run for re-election and look forward to the future of the department under his continued leadership."

A 22-year veteran of law enforcement, McDermott began his career as a police officer with the Anaconda Police Department in 1995. TJ joined the Missoula City Police Department in 1998 and served nearly six years with the department.

"Sheriff McDermott recognizes that law enforcement is a community effort," said Missoula Mayor John Engen. "And he brings respect for citizens, compassion for victims and a commitment to making positive change to the justice system. I'm happy to support TJ in his campaign for re-election"

In 2003, McDermott joined the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and was initially assigned to the uniform patrol division before becoming a detective in 2006.

In 2010, McDermott was selected as his agency's 'Officer of the Year', in large part due to his investigative efforts that resulted in the arrest and conviction of two adult males who were operating an online Teenage Prostitution Ring in Missoula.

In 2011, McDermott was selected by the National Association of Police Organizations as one of the nation's 'Top Cops' for his work in solving an 18-year old cold case homicide.

McDermott was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant and then supervised other detectives conducting criminal investigations, through 2014.

In November of 2014 the citizens of Missoula County overwhelmingly elected TJ to become Missoula County's next Sheriff.

"TJ's commitment to the citizens of Missoula County is inspiring," said Missoula County Commissioner Cola Rowley. "Sheriff McDermott showed great leadership in bringing forward the Missoula City-County Jail Diversion Plan for low-level, non-violent offenders. I enthusiastically endorse his re-election."

"I am so proud of our brave women and men-a well-trained and dedicated team-that have stepped up to the plate every day, every call and through every situation," said McDermott. "It is our honor and duty, both under the law and as our moral obligation for the citizens we serve."

The Sheriff's team has moved the department forward, solidifying their pledge to county citizens: To manage the Sheriff's Office with a proactive approach to crime prevention that ensures all citizens are treated with dignity and respect, victim's rights are upheld and criminals receive just punishments according to the law.

"TJ is raising the bar for what it means to be the chief law enforcement official in the county," said Rich Maricelli, McDermott's Undersheriff.

 

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