McBride to seek re-election

Ronnie McBride

Jasper County Sheriff Ronnie McBride announced Dec. 10 that he will seek re-election for a second term as sheriff.

"My primary goal was, and continues to be, providing Jasper County citizens with law enforcement services in the most effective and efficient means possible with the personnel and budget funds provided," McBride said.

"For three years, I have successfully worked within budget to provide these services without the accumulation of staff overtime or compensatory time," McBride said.

He worked with the commissioners' court to obtain funding for an additional deputy in January, 2008, and vows he will continue to request additional law enforcement personnel.

"I have treated the operation of the Jasper County Sheriff's office as a business, which is managed for and accountable to the citizens of Jasper County," McBride said.

When McBride began his term, the county law enforcement center was undergoing construction to increase the capacity of the jail facility and be recertified from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

"Through additional space, staffing adjustments and revisions to policy, management procedure and security measures, we met this challenge," McBride said.

The jail facility has passed random inspections by the commission with deficiencies, and the county currently has contracts with other counties to house their inmates, generating income for Jasper County.

"My proudest moment was witnessing the performance of the Jasper County Sheriff's office personnel before and during the aftermath of Hurricane Rita in September, 2005," McBride said. "This was an unprecedented and overwhelming disaster for Jasper County."

McBride said the sheriff's office coordinated assistance with many agencies to provide safety and security and minimize criminal activities during that time.

McBride is a native of Jasper County and a member of the Beech Grove Baptist Church, where he serves as Deacon.

He as worked nearly 40 years as a Texas Peace Officer, serving as a police officer, a Texas Highway patrolman, and a Texas Ranger.