If you have an unsavory past you better stay clear of the Democratic Club this Friday. Rick Whitehead is the third candidate for Kootenai County Sheriff who will be addressing the club. He has substantial law enforcement knowledge and experience. The office of Kootenai County Sheriff affects us all even if we live in a city. As with the other candidates, be prepared with relevant questions that will help us all to be better informed. Come to the Iron Horse Restaurant Friday, Sept 6, at noon, located at 407 Sherman Ave, CDA.Rick has over 40 years of law enforcement experience including 26 years in leadership roles. He started his public service career in the U.S. Army in 1977. After serving 3 years as a Military Policeman, Rick joined the Baytown, Texas, police department in 1980. Rick worked as a police officer in Baytown for 6 years before moving to Austin, Texas. In Austin, he joined the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). Rick’s 25-year career with the TCSO saw him work his way up through the ranks. During that time, the agency grew from a few hundred personnel to over 1500. Rick earned the opportunity to command multiple divisions within the TCSO. He held command positions in the Homicide division, SWAT, White Collar Crime, Computer Forensics, Family Violence, Child Abuse, Intelligence, Crime Lab, 911- Communications, School Resource Officers, Canine (K-9), Lake Patrol, Traffic, Patrol Platoon and the Field Training Officer Program.
He is also a business owner. For 23 years he has trained police officers and consulted with police agencies nationally and internationally. The Idaho Post recognized Rick as a subject matter expert in the following areas: Leadership, Forensic Investigations and Police Field Training. Rick has hands on experience solving many of the challenges currently facing the Kootenai County Sheriff’s office, specifically officer retention and rapid community growth.
