HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A new candidate has entered the ring for Houston County Sheriff.
Friday morning, Jimmy Dunn announced he was officially running for 2024 Houston County Sheriff.
In a release, he said that "after great consideration and prayer," he would be joining Slate Simmons, Will Kendall, and Matt Moulton on the ballot.
Dunn is 47 years old, and was raised in Houston County. He said that some may consider him "the outcast in this election or odd man out."
His full statement explains all of his previous experience and why he chose to run:
"After great consideration and prayer, I, Jimmy Dunn am officially running for 2024 Houston County Sheriff. I will be 47 years old on February 22 and born and raised in Houston County, Georgia. I know some will consider myself as the outcast in this election or odd man out. I have spent 23 years devoted working for our federal government at RAFB. During that time, I became associated with a league that raised me up as a kid, Warner Robins American Little League. I served in many positions during that stint from 2006-2011. I served in many roles during this tenure but my proudest moment came in the beginning of 2010. I led up the WRALL organization to finally bringing back the true meaning of providing Little League to “ALL” kids, Warner Robins American Little League Challenger League. WR National Little League had started this in the 1980’s by names like Doug Bass, Jeff Franks and the assistance of WRALL leadership then, Tom Nauss. We started the WRALL Challenger league in 2010 for the “ALL”, special needs/handicap kids, in Houston County. I was elected in 2012 to serve as the Georgia Little League District 5 District Administrator that served the communities of WR, Macon, Dudley, Jones county, etc. I went on to coach Middle School Sports under 2 great athletic Directors, Robert Beers and Joey Brett. My last stint coaching was at Mossy Creek Middle School under Joey Brett in football, basketball and baseball. I currently work for a great corporate federal government contracting company in this county that supports contracts for our great Military and Robins Air Force Base. Some would ask what any of this has to do with becoming your next Houston County Sheriff. I do have a little catching up to do in aspects of current training and certifications to hold the title of Sheriff which I am awarded that time.
My family came to this community in the 1940’s when my Grandfather and Grandmother, Jones Carson(J.C.) and Martha(Mart) Hurley lived in Wellston(now WR) and worked on Robins Air Field(now RAFB). They retired there and then my parents Larry(L.D.) and Peggy Dunn also followed them footsteps. Living and serving RAFB. They have spent their 50 years of marriage raising me and my 2 sisters(Kim and Nancy ) in this community in all aspects and 2 of us still reside in Houston County. We have raised our children in this great County. I have 2 sons(Bryce and Brad). Bryce is currently in college in this state and Brad looking forward to his Senior year at my Alma Matter, Houston County High School. He strives as a student athlete at the best of his ability and I am very proud of both my boys.
Now I would like like to Congratulate our current Sheriff Cullen Talton. Serving our community in his active role for 52 years and at the age of 91 years old. He has stayed fully devoted and married to the community as a whole. He deserves that right to step down and become just a family man. He has raised us all in this County and gave his all to his sworn duties to serve and protect. We love you Sheriff Talton.
Also would like to say thank you to the other 3 opponents, Slate Simmons ,20 years served at HCSO and current business owner, Will Kendall, current Houston County District Attorney and Matt Moulton, Current Lt. in the HCSO. I look forward to the talks with all 3 on the topic we all have which is how we all want this community to keep striving as the best in State of Georgia to call home and be safe in to raise our family in. I will not run my campaign on the mud slinging or trying to discredit any of their past or current service to this community.
Lastly, I want to say thanks to all the ones that have prayed with me over this opportunity and give me guidance. To the many of Men and Women that taught me community leadership and structure. One name that sticks out to me is one of our finest citizens and past County Commissioner, Larry Snellgrove. He taught me the true meaning of leadership in my life. I spoke to him about this decision a few days ago and he simply told me to do this as he did, for the people and future of the people of the best community of the World, Houston County. I get up every morning thanking the Man that means everything to me and who guides me, my personal Lord Savior Jesus Christ. I am a devoted Christian, I have nothing to be ashamed of there and I look forward to running for 2024 Houston Co Sheriff."
Candidates can qualify for the election in March and folks can vote in May primaries.