Montgomery County voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose a Democratic nominee for sheriff, with three candidates competing for the right to challenge interim Sheriff Robert Page in November. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and residents can find their polling location at elections.virginia.gov.
The race was triggered when longtime Sheriff Hank Partin retired in April after three decades with the office, the final ten as its elected sheriff. As WDBJ reported, Page secured the Republican nomination through a firehouse primary in June and will face whichever Democrat wins Tuesday’s contest.
The Candidates
The three contenders bring different backgrounds to the race. Ed Hertling spent his career with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, retiring two years ago as captain of investigations. Tim Brown currently serves as a lieutenant with the Christiansburg Police Department. Greg Warden is a former Montgomery County Sheriff’s lieutenant now working as a corporal with the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, according to WSLS.
What Each Candidate Is Focused On
Hertling told WDBJ his central goal would be strengthening community relationships and expanding victim services. He said he would remove Flock surveillance cameras from the county, arguing they provide limited value. On repeat offenders, he pointed to drug court as a tool for breaking addiction cycles.
Brown highlighted a staffing shortage as a pressing problem. He noted application pools that once drew 100 candidates for two openings now yield roughly 20 applicants for six positions. He wants to elevate the department from state to national accreditation and said he would work to shift the culture around deputy mental health, stressing that officers should feel supported in seeking help…