Editor, Smithfield Times

I worked with Mark Marshall when he was an investigator in Smithfield, when was town chief of police and now at Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office. I have come to know that him is an honest man who cares deeply for his county and his agency. He strives to encourage the members of his agency to excel every day and to protect and serve the county he is so proud of.

Sheriff Marshall is not afraid of a debate, a forum, a town hall meeting or a pointed journalistic question. He is an open book to anyone who has had the opportunity to know him. This applies to journalists and reporters as well, with whom he has an excellent working relationship. Sheriff Marshall has always believed that the citizens of Isle of Wight County have the right to know of any issues within the county that would affect them, positively or negatively.

Sheriff Marshall has always believed in ethics and integrity above all else. They are the cornerstones on which Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office is built. He has always put his agency first, making sure all deputies had the proper training, equipment and skills to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.

When the Sheriff took office almost four years ago he made a promise to the citizens of the county that Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office would become an accredited agency during his first four years in office. Since May 15, 2014, the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office has been certified as an accredited agency.

Community relations is another top goal for Sheriff Marshall and his agency. It’s a way to bond with the community through interaction, and continue to foster a positive working relationship to further reduce crime. Every member of the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office knows it’s the mutual respect between the citizens and the deputies that makes a community strong.

In a nutshell, I have worked with both the incumbent and his opponent. Sheriff Mark Marshall has the education, experience, leadership skills and determination to take this great agency successfully through the next four years.

Lisa Martin
Smithfield