Mark Butler kicks off campaign for Warren County Sheriff

ROCKLAND – Mark Butler officially announced his candidacy for Warren County Sheriff on Saturday evening, at the North Warren Fire Hall a concert headlined by native country musician Ryan Jewel and featuring local favorite Brittany Foushee.

Local favorite Brittany Foushee. Photos & video by Mike McCool, Royal Examiner.

The Army veteran, a career law enforcement officer of nearly 30 years who currently works for Fairfax County, said being asked to run for the office was “humbling, an honor and the pinnacle of my career.”

Butler said the idea of running for sheriff was not his own, initially. Some law enforcement personnel taking classes Butler taught at area police academies encouraged him to consider running after getting to know him during the classes they attended. After talking to his family, mentors and friends, Butler decided to “explore the possibility.”

Butler said in an interview Saturday evening, that for him, being a police officer is being a true public servant. He feels community policing, treating the public with trust and respect and setting standards are important for the next Sherriff of Warren County. Butler also believes in treating employees with respect and loyalty. He said that unlike many newly-elected officials, he would not “clean house”.

“There is only one way a current Warren County Sheriff’s Department employee would lose a job when I’m elected. And that is if they did not maintain honor, integrity and courage. I don’t care who they voted for…with me, it is ‘what you see is what you get’. I have no hidden agenda…I want to make this great county safe.”

Warren County Sheriff Daniel T. McEathron announced August 1 that he would not seek a fifth term to office in the 2019 Election. He was first elected in 2003 and took office in January 2004.

Jason Poe, a former Warren County Sheriff’s Department deputy, and current Winchester Police Department officer announced his candidacy on Aug. 2.

Ryan Jewel provide music at the event. Here’s just one tune to enjoy.