Morton announces bid for county sheriff job

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Gregg Morton wasted no time taking out his nomination papers for sheriff.

The idea of running for sheriff has stuck with Morton since joining the office in 1997, but he didn?t seriously consider seeking election until learning sheriff Jerry Droz plans to retire at the end of the year. Morton promptly took out nomination papers for the November election Jan. 3 ? the first day they became available.

?I think it?s an aspiration of anyone that truly loves this job,? Morton said.

He?s worked in law enforcement 26 years, starting as a presidential bodyguard for Ronald Reagan while serving in the United States Marine Corps. Morton then spent three years with the Greenbelt, Md., Police Department in a suburb of Washington, D.C.

A Fairfield High School graduate, Morton returned to the area with his wife, an east coast native, to raise their children in Iowa. He took a position with the Fairfield Police Department in 1990 and served the city until becoming a deputy with the sheriff?s office.

Though Morton enjoyed working as a city officer, he was drawn to the country.

?There?s nothing like being part of law enforcement in an open area,? he said, adding the opportunity to help a wider variety of people is part of the appeal.

Morton feels there is no better way to have prepared for the office of sheriff than working his way through the ranks.

?Jerry has graciously shown me the ropes,? Morton said. He has been mentored in budgeting and communications since his 2007 promotion to chief deputy.

Any time the sheriff is out of office, the chief deputy is the acting sheriff, Morton said. He?s confident in his ability to run the office for any length of time.

Morton has set out petitions seeking support at several local businesses and banks.

?I would like to have the support of the community, and I?ll do the best job that I can,? Morton said.

?He will have my full support,? said Droz. ?He?s literally taken the time and interest to find out what the job takes. It?s not an 8-to-5 job. It?s a 24/7 job.?