Three Deputies Vie to Succeed Perrigo During Nov. 3 Election

Chris Ehrenreich

Democratic Candidate

 Why do you want to be Sheriff of Shelby County?

  Being elected as sheriff has been a goal of mine since beginning my career in law enforcement. During the past 12 years as a deputy, I have come to know the citizens of Shelby County and have had the privilege of being able to serve and protect the community. I want to be Sheriff so I can continue to serve and protect the citizens of Shelby County not only in a more higher capacity, but in a more professional capacity as well.

  What experience do you have in law enforcement?

I have almost 14 year’s experience in law enforcement. I began my career with the Shelbina Police Department as a patrol officer in 2006 after graduating academy. In 2008 I was offered and accepted a deputy position with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, where I am still employed and hold the rank of sergeant. During the past 14 years, I have worked and have helped investigate many different cases. Most of the cases have ended with an arrest and prosecution. I have gained experience and knowledge through the course of these investigations, as well as from additional training received throughout my career.

  What are your goals if elected Sheriff?

  If elected, my goal is to help better the sheriff’s office through training as well as the upgrading of outdated equipment. By doing this we will be able to serve and protect the citizens of Shelby County in a more safe, professional and efficient manner. It is also my goal as well, to have regular staff meetings with every agency within Shelby County to ensure a better working relationship between departments. By having a good working relationship, it will further help us in being able to better serve and protect the citizens of Shelby County.

   What do you see as the Sheriff’s primary responsibility?

The Sheriff has many responsibilities and plays many different roles.  But as the chief law enforcement officer in the county, the Sheriff’s main responsibility is to maintain peace and uphold the law. It is also the Sheriff’s responsibility to ensure a properly and professionally ran department every single day, and to ensure a good working relationship with not only the Sheriff’s office staff but with other agencies as well.

  What changes, if any, do you plan to implement if elected Sheriff?

  I hope to be able to make several different changes for the good if elected Sheriff. My first and foremost change would center around the area of training and equipment. I have said it before and I will say it again, an agency is only as good as it’s training and equipment. I also plan to look into ways to upgrade the Sheriff’s Office and jail area, in order to ensure the safety and security of my staff.

  Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

  The voter’s deserve a fair, firm, honest, trustworthy, dedicated and working Sheriff. If elected, that is exactly what I will be. I have always worked hard, and I have always done my best as a deputy to serve and protect the citizens. As your Sheriff, that won’t change.

Arron Fredrickson 

Republican Candidate 

Why do you want to be Sheriff of Shelby County?

I love my job and people. As a deputy during the past 10 years, I’ve dealt with a lot of good people on their worst days. I want to continue serving those people with respect and honor in a greater capacity. I have the desire to serve and protect the citizens of Shelby County and I want to help make a difference in our community.

  What experience do you have in law enforcement?

  I have been a full-time road deputy for over 10 years and Chief Deputy for three. I am the only candidate certified as an instructor with the Missouri Sheriff’s Association in several courses. I have successfully worked all types of cases, managed a budget, written multiple grants and gained courtroom experience. I currently oversee the daily operation of the jail and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office along with Sheriff Dennis Perrigo.

  What are your goals if elected Sheriff?

  I plan to follow our current Sheriff’s example and lead the department with transparency, accountability, trust, compassion and common sense. Our department will protect, defend and keep safe the citizens of Shelby County, their businesses, their homes, their family and guests.

  What do you see as the Sheriff’s primary responsibility?

  The Sheriff’s responsibilities are to lead and set an example and have good communication with deputies, support services and citizens. To oversee a well- maintained, trained and administrated office. The Sheriff should put differences aside and work with other agencies and organizations and the courts. Someone that has budgeting, grant and funding experience and will make best use of every dollar they get.

  Transparency is a term we hear a lot now days but isn’t seen in government very often, I want to change that.

   What changes, if any, do you plan to implement if elected Sheriff?

  I will upgrade some of our equipment and policies. My plans are to listen to the ideas and concerns from the public and make the best plan of action. I like the way Sheriff Dennis Perrigo has trained me as his Chief Deputy to make sure I take care of the victims and Shelby County and I will continue to do that.

  Why should voters cast their ballot for you? 

  My wife and I are committed to Shelby County where we live and are raising our children. I will bring over 10 years of experience, a proven track record and a willingness to learn and grow in the new position as Sheriff. I not only have the desire, qualifications, integrity and the humility to lead the SCSO, but I have a great heart for the well-being of the people of Shelby County. Shelby County residents should not fear lawlessness but expect the Sheriff to uphold the law with honor, respect and integrity and not with bullying or manipulative tactics.

  I have real-world law enforcement street experience. I am a person that has worked from the bottom up, worked the long cold night shifts, walked a beat for special events, investigated fatal crashes, investigated and solved drug-related cases, interrogated criminals when I know they are lying, solved the complicated case(s), walked into the bar fight or a domestic situation, or whatever other dangerous situation because I know that is my job and want to keep Shelby County safe.

  I have experience working the critical incidents and big cases, I have supervised others. I will hold others accountable, including those that work for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

  I will be a Sheriff that will be involved every day, lead his people and not turn a blind eye or ignore problems.

  Thank you for your consideration as the next Sheriff of Shelby County in the November general election. Please take the time to pray for me and my family along with law enforcement in general. 

Matthew Mefford

Independent Candidate

Why do you want to be Sheriff of Shelby County?

  As a young man, serving others was something I was always drawn to do. When I turned 18, I became a volunteer firefighter and confirmed that being a part of the “helpers” in a community is where I wanted to be. When I turned 20, I was fortunate enough to start my career with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and continue to serve and protect. I have had the benefit of serving under three different Sheriffs during my tenure and I am able to take the skills learned from each and incorporate them into the best Sheriff for Shelby County. As Sheriff, I will continue to fulfill my desire to serve all citizens of Shelby County. In all, I want to be sheriff because I care about our community and want to do my part in making it a better, safer place.

  What experience do you have in law enforcement?

I have been employed with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years as a Jailor, Dispatcher, Deputy and School Resource Officer. Leading and serving are both critical roles as Sheriff, you can more effectively lead if you have served first. 

  What are your goals if elected Sheriff?

To have an office that operates with a high level of professionalism that communicates well with the community and other agencies. Be a good steward of funds in managing a budget that looks for ways to make improvements and cut any unnecessary costs. I will proactively apply for grants to find additional funding and partner with the state to purchase surplus items.  I will leverage the MO Sheriffs Association to gain knowledge of other available resources.

  What do you see as the Sheriff’s primary responsibility?

  The primary responsibility I see as sheriff is to lead with integrity and professionalism; ensuring the office is lead in a way that keeps officers, staff and citizens safe. The sheriff is also the thermostat that helps set the tone within the Sheriff’s Office to empower the staff to find creative ways to work together for the betterment of our community. 

  What changes, if any, do you plan to implement if elected Sheriff?

  My top three focuses for change will be communication, transparency and agency collaboration.  Creating a solid foundation in these three areas will allow us to be successful in other changes and improvements that are needed. I will improve these areas through open communication and coordination with all agencies that impact Shelby County. I will actively participate in Sheriff Zone meetings with surrounding counties, work to establish a consistent meeting with local agencies to share information, discuss issues and create a plan to work together to better serve all citizens in Shelby County. I will be actively involved in the community, maintain an open-door policy and always operate with the highest level of integrity.

  Why should voters cast their ballot for you?

  I have proven leadership skills, strong work ethic and I live my life on the values of loyalty, honesty and integrity. I respect and value agriculture, small businesses and the 2nd Amendment. Our children are the future of our county and I will continue to build a strong relationship to ensure our future is better than our past. And finally, I will do my part to ensure laws are upheld and do so in a professional and consistent manner.