Valerie Hagler announces candidacy for sheriff of Benton County
PRESS RELEASE FROM VALERIE HAGLER:
BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Valerie Hagler has announced her run for sheriff of Benton County.
TODAY I AM HONORED TO ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR SHERIFF OF BENTON COUNTY!
I was born and raised in Northeast Arkansas and graduated in 2003 before moving to Camden in 2005 — the place I am proud to call home. That same year, I welcomed my son into the world and began building the life and family that keep me grounded and motivated every day.
In 2007, I began my career with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Tony King as a dispatcher. In 2008, I attended the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy and became a certified law enforcement officer. I have now served in law enforcement for 19 years.
In 2011, I continued my service in Humphreys County under Sheriff Chris Davis, where I was promoted to Patrol Field Training Officer, then to Sergeant in 2016, and to Lieutenant in 2021. Throughout my career, I have also served as an Evidence Custodian and, for the past nine years, supervised individuals required by Tennessee law to register as sex offenders. This position required diligence, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public safety while working closely with other government agencies.
Beyond my daily duties, I currently serve as an Officer of the Drug Alliance Board and on the Opioid Abatement Committee, working to combat the drug crisis affecting our communities.
I have completed extensive professional training, including:
- Interview & Interrogation
- Arson Investigation
- Instructor Development School
- Domestic Violence Instructor School
- First Line Leadership (Basic & Advanced)
- D.A.R.E. Instructor School
- Kinesic Interviewing Phases I & II
- The Root of Violence (Parts 1–3)
- Constitutional Criminal Law & Procedure
- De-Escalation Tactics Instructor
- Numerous additional professional development courses
My commitment to ongoing training reflects my belief that strong leadership begins with preparation, knowledge, and integrity.
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I am married to Wesley Hagler, and together we have five children and three beautiful grandchildren. Like so many families in Benton County, we are deeply invested in the safety and future of our community.
If elected Sheriff, I will focus on:
- Strengthening relationships between local and state law enforcement agencies and the community we serve
- Supporting strong working relationships between the courts and county government
- Encouraging and training our deputies to be the very best for our citizens
- Reducing drug-related crime through a comprehensive approach of education, prevention, and enforcement
- Protecting our children and vulnerable citizens
- Committing to innovation and modernizing operations within the Sheriff’s Office
- Operating with transparency, fairness, and accountability
I am ready to serve as your Sheriff. This is not a Monday-through-Friday job. I am willing and prepared to serve the citizens of Benton County whenever needed. I humbly ask for your support, your prayers, and your vote. Together, we can keep Benton County safe and strong.
Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting and speaking with as many residents as possible. I want to hear your concerns and answer your questions. If I miss you, please do not hesitate to reach out. It would be an honor to serve all the citizens of Benton County.
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