Sheriff Ford Resigns
The Fisher County Commissioners Court convened on Monday, July 10 to discuss the appointment of a new Fisher County Sheriff after Sheriff Randy Ford submitted his resignation. The court unanimously appointed Simon Wade to serve as the sheriff until the next election can be called.
Sheriff Ford had been on vacation for the past few months and announced on June 29 that he would not be returning to office. In his resignation letter, dated June 29, 2023, Ford expressed gratitude to the citizens and stated, 'I have had the honor of serving as the Fisher County Sheriff for the past two years. Effective June 29, 2023, I resign from the office of sheriff.' Ford took on the role of Fisher County Sheriff in May 2021 when commissioners appointed him to succeed former Sheriff Alan Arnwine. With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, he initially joined law enforcement after leaving the Marine Corps, and what began as a job quickly turned into a passion.
Ford ran unopposed in the 2022 Primary, after his initial 2021 appointment. Ford admitted the loss of his wife last year played a significant role in his decision to step down from the office.
The resignation of Sheriff Ford left the commissioners with the task of appointing a new sheriff until the upcoming election. Deputy James Torrez, who had been serving as Ford's chief deputy, expressed his interest in the position. However, the commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Simon Wade, from McCaulley as the new sheriff.
Wade acknowledged that he was relatively unknown to the county, stating, 'Hardly anybody in this room knows me.'
He explained how his consideration for the sheriff's position had been ongoing for several years, adding that he applied for a possible reserve deputy position about a year ago. Wade added that he had submitted his resume and qualifications to the commissioners and Judge Holt a few weeks ago in preparation to seek the office in December, but Ford’s resignation escalated that timeline.
Wade's background included serving in the Marine Corps for 20 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. After leaving the military, he worked as a DPS trooper in Arizona, including assignments in SWAT and explosive ordnance disposal. He later became a civilian contractor for the State Department, working in Iraq with the weapons abatement program.
Wade expressed his desire to serve as Fisher County Sheriff and pledged to prove his capability in the role.
“I hope to get your vote today to be the sheriff of Fisher County,” Wade told residents in attendance in the courtroom on Monday, “and from the moment I get the commissioners’ vote to be the sheriff, I will immediately start proving to the residents of Fisher County that I can handle this job, and I'm here to do this job in your best interest.”
One of the pressing issues discussed during the appointment process was the county's jail. Since its opening in June 2016, the jail has faced various challenges, including depopulation, staff shortages, and a significant cyber attack. When asked about his stance on the jail, Wade emphasized that the decision to keep it open or closed was not his to make.
He pointed out it was the voters that approved the jail and viewed it as a tool entrusted to him, with its budget set by the commissioners. Wade assured that if given the jail and its budget, he would manage costs effectively and prioritize transparency for the residents.
Commissioner Gordon Pippin made the motion to appoint Wade as Fisher County Sheriff, which was seconded by Commissioner Micah Evans. In a departure from recent voting trends, the commissioners unanimously agreed to nominate Wade as the interim sheriff until the next election.
To seek the four-year commitment to the office, Wade and other candidates must file applications in December 2023 for the March Primary. The sheriff’s four-year term restarts after its regular election cycle concludes in November 2024, coinciding with the nation’s presidential race.