McDowell County, NC
I have given over 30 years of service toward public safety in North Carolina, with the overwhelming majority of that time in McDowell County. This career has been filled with both highs and lows, joy and sorrow, good days and hard days. Through it all, the love I have for McDowell County and North Carolina makes all the sacrifices worth it.
I will forever be grateful to the people of McDowell County for giving me the opportunity to be their Sheriff. Being Sheriff has been the greatest professional honor of my life. I have been blessed to work alongside professional men and women who come to work every day willing to put their lives on the line for those they serve. My father once told me, "Son, you can never put a monetary value on doing what you love. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." I can honestly say, I have never dreaded coming to work. There are days I'd rather be hunting or fishing, or being with my family on vacation, but I have never dreaded coming to this office.
My family has been my biggest supporters, always understanding the demands and responsibilities of this profession. They have allowed me to pursue my dream, knowing I would miss important things to them. They are the ones who deserve the recognition, and I thank them for loving me — especially my wife, Heather, for always holding things together at home while I was gone.
We have worked for years to build a very strong and dedicated group of future leaders inside this office, and they deserve their chance to implement those new ideas and strategies.
After much prayer and consideration, I will not be seeking re-election to the Office of Sheriff. I plan on finishing my term through 2026 and honoring my commitment. When elected, I promised the residents of McDowell County to assemble the best team possible to serve them, and that I would give them the very best in me. I also promised the employees of the Sheriff's Office the very best in me. I feel confident that I have honored these commitments, and I’m happy with where I will be leaving this office.
God has been so good to me, and I'm not sure why. He has blessed me beyond measure, and I give Him all the glory for keeping me and my family safe and allowing me such a blessed career.
I am not sure what the future holds for me as to my involvement in the political arena moving forward, but I do know I will never quit supporting and doing all that I can to enhance emergency services as long as I have breath in my body.
What helps me in this transition is knowing I will be leaving the office in great hands. I have complete confidence in my Chief Deputy, Nathan Mace, and I know he will be a great Sheriff. Nathan is ready, willing, and has the heart for public service. He has been my Chief Deputy since I began as Sheriff in 2018. He has the knowledge, the relationships, and the desire to continue his service to the residents of McDowell County. Nathan Mace has my full support and endorsement to be the next Sheriff of McDowell County.
Thank you, McDowell County, for allowing me to serve you.
– Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan
