Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Mathews County is a community that needs a professional and dedicated law enforcement professional in the office of sheriff. The members of the Fraternal Order of Police know that a community like Mathews needs a sheriff that will listen to the community, insure excellence in law enforcement services and be an active part in all aspects of the county.

Working hand-in-hand with the community, businesses and other state and federal government agencies to preserve the quality of life for Mathews County should be the primary focus of our sheriff’s office. Ladies and gentlemen, I have known Mark Barrick for the past 20 years and I can assure you he is that professional lawman that can achieve these goals for Mathews.

Mark impressed me the first time I met him 20 years ago. From that first day, my respect for him has only grown. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside him, fighting crime in Newport News and trying to improve the comm...