Pottawatomie County will see a number of candidates running for a number of positions this election season, including for the county sheriff position that will be left open by current Sheriff Shane Jager.
One of those vying for the position is current St. Mary’s Police Chief Derek Cid, who has worked in all sizes of departments. He gave a little bit more of his background in an interview with KMAN.
“I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and a two-time combat veteran,” he said. “I then worked for the Miami-Dade Police Department before relocating to Kansas in 2012 where I worked for RCPD, the Sheriff’s Office and I’ve been Chief of Police for St. Mary’s PD.”
Cid became police chief in St. Mary’s in 2018 and highlighted many of his successes as police chief such as making the department accredited during his tenure. Cid also addressed concerns that he may not be able to run a smaller department due to his time working in Miami.
“I don’t want people to think just because I came from a big city I am going to be aggressive with the citizenry,” he said. “That’s actually the opposite of what I want to do. I want to be more aggressive in going after those who deal drugs, commit property crimes, etc.”
Cid says one of his mottos he follows is professionalism. He elaborated on that further.
“That means getting guys the equipment and training they need to be successful,” he said. “Just because I’m the head guy doesn’t mean I’m not out there with my guys. I’ve worked late nights, directed traffic in the rain and always have been with my guys regardless of where I rank.”
Cid describes himself a “conservative” who governs by said philosophy. He shares these feelings when it comes to the 2nd amendment, which he supports.
“We partnered with a firing range in Wamego and actually did basic firearm safety training,” he said. “I am very supportive of the right to carry.”
Cid says that his conservatism is not based by divisiveness or anger. He says that he has been a consensus builder in the past and has looked to work with all sides and will try to continue to do so if elected Sheriff.
Cid is one of two candidates filed for the race. Current undersheriff Doug Adams is also on the Aug. 6 primary ballot seeking this position. Both men are running as Republicans.
