The Seguin Daily News is highlighting the local candidates appearing on the March 5, 2024 Primary Election. Each candidate was asked to respond to the following three questions. Early voting began on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and runs through Friday, March 1. Today’s featured contest is for the Republican nomination for Guadalupe County Sheriff. The two candidates look to replace longtime Sheriff Arnold Zwicke who has chosen to retire. There are no local candidates appearing on the Democratic ballot for this position.
Candidate Name: Patrick Pinder
Guadalupe County Sheriff
Tell us why you’re running.
I’m running for sheriff because my core belief in public service and community safety drives me to action. Having served as a former deputy sheriff and now as the fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, my commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of our community is unwavering. Over the past 12 years, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the needs of our emergency responders and the citizens they protect, approaching challenges with an all-hazards perspective.
With a background rooted in all-hazard preparedness, I’ll build upon the foundation laid by the current sheriff and propel our department forward. My tenure and local connections, forged through firsthand experiences with local disasters, crimes, and emergencies, afford me a unique insight into our community’s dynamics. As the county’s emergency management coordinator, I’ve cultivated relationships with various agencies, strengthening our collaborative efforts in ensuring public safety.
My familiarity with the sheriff’s department’s operations equips me to address its needs while meeting the expectations of our citizens. My leadership approach prioritizes fiscal responsibility, effective communication, and genuine empathy. I lead by example, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within law enforcement.
Beyond qualifications and experience, my sincere care for the well-being of our first responders and community propels me forward. I’ve witnessed the positive impact of community-oriented policing and am committed to building upon this foundation.
The sheriff’s office is trusted in our community, exemplifying integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to public safety. With your support and vote, I’m ready to lead in making our county a safer and better place for all.
What are the biggest challenges facing the winner of this seat, and how are you prepared to address those challenges?
The biggest challenges facing the incoming sheriff are multifaceted, stemming from the transition in leadership and the evolving needs of our growing community. As the population expands, so do the responsibilities of deputies, jailers, clerks, and other roles within the sheriff’s office. Staffing retention has been a persistent issue, compounded by the impending change in leadership.
To address these challenges, I’m prepared to approach the transition with careful consideration and inclusivity. Recognizing the potential disparity between my perspectives and those of the previous sheriff, I’ll prioritize a smooth transition by ensuring that policies and procedures are updated to align with my vision for the department.
I intend to conduct a thorough assessment of the agency, taking 60 to 90 days to gather comprehensive information before implementing any significant changes. Rather than succumbing to pressure, I’ll maintain an impartial stance, inviting open feedback from all agency members through a “no rank in the room” approach.
A valuable framework for evaluating the agency’s strengths and weaknesses is the 5 Pillars model, which encompasses crucial aspects such as recruitment and retention practices, policy alignment with state and federal laws, training adequacy, supervision protocols, and disciplinary procedures. By systematically evaluating each pillar, I’ll identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to enhance agency effectiveness.
I recognize the unique role of the sheriff in our community-a position of accountability directly to the citizens. Embracing this responsibility, I’ll prioritize transparent communication and engagement with the public, fostering trust and collaboration to ensure that the sheriff’s office remains a reliable guardian of public safety.
I understand that the challenges and transition will be complex with any change in leadership, and I will work to make it a smooth transition with all staff at the sheriff’s office.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for the job? In other words, what do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
I am the most qualified candidate for the sheriff’s position due to my extensive leadership experience, proven track record in crisis management, and unwavering dedication to community service. Over the course of my 12-year career spanning law enforcement, fire investigations, fire department operations, and EMS, I have developed a complex understanding of the diverse challenges inherent in protecting and serving our community.
I bring eight years of hands-on experience as the chief of an agency, where I successfully led and managed teams through various complex scenarios.
My ability to directly supervise the 50 staff and oversee the operations of multiple departments, including the fire marshal and emergency management office, demonstrates my capacity to navigate intricate situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
My background in managing large-scale disaster response incidents, such as Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores my competency in crisis management while ensuring the continuity of essential services. I have a proven record of fiscal responsibility, adeptly managing budgets, grants, and county operations to optimize resources and prioritize taxpayer funds effectively.
Unlike my opponent, I have personally responded to countless calls for service, investigated numerous offenses, and collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies to solve crimes within Guadalupe County. My dedication to the safety and well-being of the residents of Guadalupe County is unwavering, exemplified by my willingness to put myself in harm’s way for the betterment of our community. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in initiatives to support and uplift our community in times of need.
My extensive leadership experience, crisis management skills, and genuine dedication to public service set me apart from my opponents. As the next sheriff, I am fully committed to upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and service, ensuring the safety and welfare of our community.
Candidate Name: Joshua Ray
Guadalupe County Sheriff
Tell us why you’re running?
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran and retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety. I served in many roles during my 22 years with DPS: THP State Trooper, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, K-9, DPS CID Special Agent, Hostage Negotiator, and ultimately Texas Ranger. I have a diverse law enforcement background including uniform patrol, undercover operations, disaster relief, hostage negotiations, and major complex criminal investigations. I retired in October of 2022, and was immediately appointed as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office. As the Chief Deputy, I am Sheriff Arnold Zwicke’s second in command and currently supervise all Sheriff’s Office operations, jail operations, and 260 employees. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University in Commerce with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
I am a career law enforcement officer. I am currently endorsed by Sheriff Arnold Zwicke and many other legendary and executive level law men throughout the State. I believe the future of our county is going to need strong and experienced leaders to lead us forward. The crisis at the border has changed everything. We need an experienced law enforcement officer at the helm of our Sheriff’s Office. I’ve served all throughout the State of Texas for most of my career. My family and I have moved back to this area three times over the course of my career because my wife is from here. This is our home. Our family is here. Our extended family is here. I care about this community and want to do everything in my power to protect it. I hope you can see that I am clearly the most experienced and qualified candidate in this race, and on day one, I will be ready to lead the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
What are the biggest challenges facing the winner of this seat, and how are you prepared to address those challenges?
The number one priority of any Sheriff should be to protect the citizens of our county and suppress crime. The growth in our county is the most significant challenge facing our residents, which contributes to a host of law enforcement issues. While being mindful of taxpayer dollars, I will increase resources and staffing, partner with area law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, and increase law enforcement presence throughout the county. Law enforcement presence is the single most effective tool in preventing and reducing crime. I will utilize my extensive experience to expand and modernize our enforcement efforts. I will equip our personnel with the proper tools and technological resources to adequately protect our citizens, protect our property, and protect our Deputies. I will invest in our personnel by increasing training standards, accountability, and expectations. By doing so, we will provide a better and more professional and effective law enforcement work product for the citizens of Guadalupe County, building upon the legacy and foundation established by Sheriff Zwicke. Additionally, crimes against children are unfortunately on the rise in our country. I plan to implement proactive policing strategies, targeting child predators and traffickers both currently in and traveling through our communities.
I have spent my entire adult life combating crime and pursuing those who choose to harm others. My extensive expertise lends me the background and practical experience to lead others in the same pursuit. I currently lead the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office at the direction of Sheriff Arnold Zwicke. I have not only my extensive experience to draw on, but have also had the opportunity to see, learn, and observe how an experienced and dedicated Sheriff has done the job on a day-to-day basis. I am ready and prepared right now, to step into the role of Sheriff.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for the job? In other words, what do you believe sets you apart from your opponents?
My extensive experience in all aspects of law enforcement and my current role leading all 260 employees and daily operations of the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Zwicke, distinctly sets me apart from my opponent. The County Sheriff, by state statute, is the top law enforcement officer in the county. Although there are many aspects to leading the Sheriff’s Office, the primary and by far greatest responsibility is targeting, investigating, and suppressing crime. My entire professional and adult life has been dedicated to this exact purpose. My wife has deep family roots here. As part of working for the State for 22 years, much like military service, I’ve been called upon to serve throughout the State; but Guadalupe County is and always will be our home. I am thankful for the extensive experience and knowledge God has given me as a result of my entire law enforcement career, because I truly believe He has prepared me for this exact purpose. I am ready to put that expertise to direct use, continuing to serve and protect my home, your home, my family, and your family. God bless you and thank you for considering me for the office of Guadalupe County Sheriff.