About Ricky Buchanan
My name is Ricky Todd Buchanan and I am a resident of McDowell County. After prayerful consideration and with the support of my family and friends, I announce my intent to seek Re-Election as the Republican Candidate for the Office of Sheriff in McDowell County, NC in 2022.
I have resided for the majority of my life in McDowell County. Raised by my parents, Richard and Murleen Buchanan, I attended Pleasant Gardens Elementary, West McDowell Jr. High, and graduated from McDowell High School in 1992. Following High School, I attended McDowell Technical Community College and went to work part-time at McDowell County EMS. In 1996, I went to work for Sheriff Jackie Turner Sr. at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. While employed at McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, I attended Mayland Community College and obtained my NC Basic Law Enforcement Training certification. During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I have worked as a Jailer, Deputy Sheriff, K-9 Deputy, and Detective. I was a member of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team and was assigned to DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)-Asheville Post of Duty. In 2007, I took a job with the State of North Carolina, DMV License and Theft Bureau, and was assigned to both the Charlotte and Asheville Districts, promoting to the rank of Assistant District Supervisor until my departure in 2012. In 2012, I returned home, to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Deputy until I assumed the role of Sheriff in June of 2018. I then ran unopposed for the General Election in November of 2018 where I received 11,986 votes as the top vote-getter of all local races. I continue serving the citizens of McDowell County as your Sheriff presently.
I am married to my beautiful wife, Heather Marsh Buchanan, and the proud father of three children; Grace (18), Ava (12), and Carson (11). My family and I reside in the Dysartsville community and are members of Grace Community Church. I have one brother, Keith Buchanan, (wife Dianna), also of McDowell County.
I serve as current Co-Chair of the Auditing Committee with the NC Sheriff's Association; Chair of the Corpening Foundation Board of Trustees; formerly served on the Executive Board of Directors with the McDowell Health Coalition and former Chair of the Substance Abuse Work Group. I am also a North Carolina Certified Law Enforcement Instructor.
I have over 24 years of law enforcement experience, with the majority of my career being spent with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. I appreciate Sheriff Jackie Turner Sr. giving me a chance over 24 years ago to begin my law enforcement career, now I ask the citizens of McDowell County to support me in continuing to be your Sheriff. Thank You for your consideration.
My Service To McDowell
- 2018-Present: McDowell County Sheriff's Office (Sheriff)
- 2012-2018 : McDowell County Sheriff's Office (Chief Deputy)
- 2007-2012 : NC DMV License and Theft Bureau (Inspector/Assistant District Supervisor)
- 1996-2007 : McDowell County Sheriff's Office (Jailer, Patrol Deputy, Detective, DEA Task Force Officer, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Member)
- 1992-1996 : McDowell County EMS (Part-Time Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate)
- 1992-1996 : Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department (Firefighter)
Recent Acknowledgements
McDowell News Best of 2021
- Voted Best Elected County Official
- Voted Best County Employee
- Voted Best Law Enforcement Officer
McDowell News Best of 2020
- Voted Best Elected County Official
- Voted Best Law Enforcement Officer
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