Both candidates competing to become the next sheriff of Caldwell County say they want to reach out to all communities that may have been ignored in the past.

Republican Jerry Galloway and Democrat Kimberly A. Poynter will square off in the Nov. 4 election. The winner will replace Republican Kirby Brelsford, who has served in office since 2001. Mr. Galloway defeated Mr. Brelsford in the August primary, and Ms. Poynter had no opposition in her primary.

Ms. Poynter is a sergeant with the Hamilton (Mo.) Police Department. She lives in rural Cowgill, Mo., and attended the Kansas City Regional Police Training Academy. She also has worked for the Kansas City, Platte City and Pleasant Valley police departments and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department.

“I love what I do,” she said. “I’m very passionate about law enforcement.”

A self-described unorthodox view of law enforcement has guided her career.

“It’s worked very well for me for the last 19 years,” Ms. Poynter said.

She said treating each citizen with equality and fairness have been hallmarks of her approach to the job. Other goals for Ms. Poynter include enhanced leadership and satisfying the public by extending visibility to every Caldwell County community.

“There are large parts of the county that feel they’ve been neglected,” she said. “That needs to change.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Galloway is currently chief deputy with the sheriff’s office. He also has served with the Kearney (Mo.) Police Department and Clay County sheriff’s office. He received certification from the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute and is certified by the state of Missouri’s Peace Officer Standards and Training program.

“I like to serve the public (and) help in any way possible,” Mr. Galloway said.

If elected, he wants to become well known in each community and be “open to the public and interested in hearing what their problems are.”

All calls for service would be answered promptly, professionally and courteously under his administration, he said.

“I want a department that has integrity and professionalism,” Mr. Galloway said.

Like his opponent, he also wants good working relations with all local, area and state law enforcement agencies.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.