Recently-appointed Interim Sheriff Arlo Norman squares off against challenger William Downing in this year’s Democrat primary election, with early voting slated to begin Thursday, February 12, to choose a nominee for the November 3 general election. The winner of the March 3 primary ballot opposes Republican challenger James Patterson in November.

Both Downing and Norman point to their local roots and presence in the county and describe dissimilar experience in the justice system.

Norman is a county native and 22-year veteran in the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, who joined the ranks of deputies in 2003, following service in the US Army and completion of BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) at Martin Community College. While in BLET, Norman became Class President, while maintaining top standing in academics and physical training.

In his WCSO tenure, Norman served under four county sheriffs, advancing as a patrol deputy, patrol corporal, patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant prior to his appointment as WCSO Chief Deputy in 2014.

County Commissioners named Norman as interim Sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff Johnny Barnes January 1...