Dave discusses the challenges and triumphs of being the Sheriff of a North Carolina County, with Sheriff Greg Seabolt. Seabolt, who is in his second term, describes his principles of leadership, what brings him real joy in his work, the successes that his department has achieved and his hopes for the future. Sheriff Seabolt also shares his time as a state trooper, his own growth as a person and his history in law enforcement and beyond.
For most of us outside the world of law enforcement, the most we know about police and sheriff departments is that they serve and protect us. Sometimes, it’s true, they pull us over for traffic violations. They respond when things get rough in our neighborhoods or at our jobs.
The work of a law enforcement officer is far broader than the view we get in our rear-view mirrors, however. And those men and women in uniform in our communities who we rely on daily often go unsung and unappreciated. This is certainly the case with those in charge. The men and women who sit at the top of the org chart of your local police department or sheriff’s office do far more than we can ever know. We all know that there is a sheriff. But what does it mean to be the sheriff?
Incidentally, the word sheriff is a throw back to feudal England. The word used to be Shire Reeve, a keeper of the peace for a small area surrounding a village or town. The Reeve worked for the Lord that owned the land and kept the peace, generally. It is, as such, an ancient role with a long and honorable history.
In an attempt to widen our perspectives, and deepen our knowledge, I’ve invited Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt to discuss his work in our county, the role of a sheriff, the responsibilities, the challenges and the triumphs of his work