Announcing the newest members of the Claremont family

September 27, 2024

Dear Friend,

We are delighted to announce the newest members of the Claremont family: the 2024 Sheriffs Fellows.

This year's impressive group of Sheriffs Fellows have been selected from across the nation for their incredible service in upholding law and order in our communities and our great nation.

Meet the 2024 Sheriffs Fellows

Sheriff Al Auxier was sworn into office as Sheriff of Kendall County, TX on January 1, 2013. Under Sheriff Auxier’s leadership, his office was the first Texas Sheriff’s Office to receive “Best Practices” recognition by the Texas Police Chief’s Association. For more than 24 years, Al was a dedicated Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol State Trooper, retiring on August 31, 2011. In his career, Al has earned his Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certificate with over 5300 hours of advanced training. With certified training in numerous fields, such as Forensic Mapping and Autosketch, First Responder, Narcotics, Terrorism Training, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response, Crime Scene Investigation, Crisis Intervention, Child Abuse, Family Violence Prevention, and Identity Theft, Al brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and invaluable training skills to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. As Kendall County Sheriff, Al is committed to leading by example. His leadership provides the tools and training needed to build trust and foster an environment enabling every employee to do their job confidently. Al has called Kendall County his home for over 34 years. He married his wife Stacey in February 1991, and they have 3 children.

Sheriff-Elect Marquis Cantu attended the University of Texas at Austin and later served in the US Marine Corps. In 1994, Marquis entered the Texas Department of Public Safety and became a Texas State Trooper. In 2004, he was promoted to Sergeant in the Narcotics Division of DPS. In 2008, Marquis was promoted to perhaps the most elite investigative branch in law enforcement, the Texas Rangers, and was stationed in Waco. In 2012, Marquis was appointed as the Texas Ranger for Llano, Burnet, and San Saba Counties. During his career as a Texas Ranger, Marquis investigated various crimes including murders, mass shootings, police shootings, sexual assaults, robberies, thefts, and public corruption, among others. In addition to investigations, Marquis was selected to be a member of the DPS Special Operations Group, Texas Ranger Recon Team—a highly trained tactical team whose primary responsibility is to carry out specific missions, often along the Texas-Mexico border. Marquis also trained state troopers and local law enforcement officers, became a crisis and hostage negotiator, and provided

personal protection for various state officials including Gov. Greg Abbott, Gov. Rick Perry, Senator Brian Birdwell, DPS Director Steven McCraw, and Miss Texas. In August 2020, Marquis retired from DPS with more than 25 years of service. In 2023, Marquis continued his service upon being elected Justice of the Peace for Llano County, Precinct 1. Marquis later was elected as Sheriff Elect for Llano County and will take office January 1, 2025.

Sheriff Thaddeus C. Cleveland is the Sheriff for Terrell County, Texas. He was first appointed Sheriff on May 17, 2022, and later elected into office. Sheriff Cleveland spent over 26 years in the United States Border Patrol and the last 11 years of his career as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Sanderson Border Patrol Station. Prior to joining the Border Patrol, Sheriff Cleveland served in the U.S. Air Force. Sheriff Cleveland served eight years as member of the Terrell County Independent School District Board of Trustees, four of which were as President of the Board. Sheriff Cleveland also served on the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District as well as the Terrell County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Sheriff Mark Crider was elected Sheriff of Walla Walla County, Washington in 2018. He began his career as a Naval Flight Officer flying F-14 Tomcats. After serving in the US Navy for ten years he became an FBI agent. He was a defensive tactics, firearms, tactical and SWAT instructor as well as a SWAT sniper. He is also an FBI Master Police Instructor and a Technically Trained Agent. As an FBI agent he deployed to Guantanamo Bay Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He retired from the FBI in 2018 after 22 years of service. He started as Undersheriff at the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office in 2018. He is currently the Vice President of the Washington State Sheriff’s Association.

Sheriff Damon Devereaux, a proud Guthrie High School graduate and lifelong Logan County resident, began his law enforcement career at 21 as a Reserve Police Officer. His commitment quickly earned him a full-time position, and from there, he steadily advanced through the ranks. A graduate of CLEET class C91B6, Sheriff Devereaux became the Interim Chief of Police in 2003, and accepted the role of Chief of Police the following year. After a distinguished 23-year career with the Guthrie Police Department, he retired in 2014 and transitioned to private security. However, his dedication to public service led him to run for and be elected as the Logan County Sheriff in 2016. With over 1,700 hours of continuing education, an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, and certifications as an instructor, Sheriff Devereaux’s expertise is well-regarded. He has earned two Silver Medals of Valor, a Meritorious Service Award, and was named Police Officer of the Year by his agency. In 2018, he was honored with the prestigious title of Sheriff of the Year from the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association. Today, Sheriff Devereaux serves as President of the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association and holds a seat on the Board of Directors for the National Sheriff’s Association. When he's off duty, he enjoys spending time with his wife, April, their 6 children, and 10 grandchildren.

Sheriff Max Dorsey began his term as the elected Sheriff of Chester County, South Carolina on January 5, 2021. Before his election, he served as the Interim Sheriff after being appointed by Governor Henry D. McMaster on May 7, 2019. Prior to his appointment, Sheriff Dorsey was employed with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for more than 25 years, retiring as the Captain and Special Agent in Charge of the Narcotics Department. For his diligent work and contributions to the State of South Carolina, Sheriff Dorsey was the recipient of the 2007 Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the 2013/2014 recipient of the Enrique S. Camarena Award presented by the South Carolina Elks. During his first term as Sheriff, he was honored as the 2022 South Carolina Sheriff of the Year. With three decades of law enforcement experience, Sheriff Dorsey has a passion for smart drug policy. He has testified before the United States Congress and worked alongside state legislators to create meaningful reforms that address the drug crisis in our state and country. Sheriff Dorsey is a graduate of the University of South Carolina

Sheriff Jeff Gahler was first elected to the role of Harford County Sheriff in 2014. As the primary law enforcement agency in Harford County and the largest sheriff’s office in the State of Maryland, the Harford County Sheriff's Office is responsible for providing law enforcement, correctional services, and court services to Harford County residents. Sheriff Gahler leads a workforce of 684 sworn and civilian personnel and oversees an annual budget of more than $126 million. Sheriff Gahler is a veteran law enforcement officer, having previously served 28 years during a distinguished career with the Maryland State Police, and having earned his Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees while employed by the State Police. He has taken thiscommitment further by returning to teach in the Public Safety Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins University. Sheriff Gahler served as the President of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association from 2019 to 2020 and is known throughout the state as a strong advocate for 2nd Amendment rights. Sheriff Gahler has gained national recognition for his outspoken support for stronger immigration laws and border security. Shortly after being elected to his first term, he entered the Harford County Sheriff’s Office into the 287(g) Delegation of Immigration Authority Program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Sheriff serves on numerous boards and commissions, most notably as a member on the National Sheriff’s Border Committee. Sheriff Gahler resides in the Forest Hill area of the County with his wife Sonya.

Sheriff Richard Hickox began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Deputy with the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada. He was sworn in as the Sheriff of Churchill County in 2019 and is in his second term as Sheriff. During those intervening years, he spent time as a Patrolman, Investigator, Sergeant, and Captain. He is proud to have been a member of the local Gang task force, DARE instructor, CIT instructor and facilitator, Reserve Academy instructor and a Defensive Tactics instructor. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, they raised a set of twin daughters and now have three grandchildren. He is a staunch supporter of our second amendment and enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the back country of Nevada. He is the current Vice President for the Nevada Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Association, and is active in the local Elks lodge, Firearms Association, and his church.

Sheriff George Paul “Gordon” Smith, a native of Bradford County, Florida, graduated from Bradford County High School in 1985 and began his law enforcement career in 1986 with the Florida Department of Corrections. He then joined the Starke Police Department in 1987, moving to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in 1990. In 1999 Gordon was selected to be the Assistant Police Chief for the Starke Police Department and in 2001 he was elected to Chief of Police for the City of Starke and then re-elected in 2004. After successful service as Police Chief, he was elected as Sheriff of Bradford County in November 2008 and re-elected 2012, 2016 and again in 2020. Sheriff Smith completed his A.S. degree in 1999 from Vincennes University and a Graduate of the FBI National Academy 240th Session. He completed Harvard Kennedy Schools Executive Education in State & Local Government. He is a State of Florida certified instructor in Firearms, Chemical Weapons, Officer Survival, D.A.R.E. and PPCT Impact Weapons. Sheriff Gordon Smith has completed numerous hours of Executive training in leadership and management, such as Florida Sheriffs Executive Training (2008), National Sheriffs Institute of Executive Management and Training (97th Session), Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Advanced Chiefs Training (2005), Florida Police Chiefs Executive Development (2002), Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Chief Executive Seminar (class 26), Federal Executive Development Training (1999) and many others. Further, he has advanced training and certificates in Homicide Investigations, Criminal Interviews and Interrogations, Hostage Negotiations, Sex Crimes Investigations and National Incident Management Systems. Sheriff Smith and his wife, Stefanie, are the delighted parents of daughter Hailey and son Hayden, and very proud grandparents of five boys. One of Sheriff Smith’s biggest goals in his career life was to be the face of law enforcement for Bradford County and to protect and represent the citizens of this wonderful county. Gordan was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Policy Board, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board.

Sheriff Bob Songer, with the support of his wife, children, and grandchildren, has served in law enforcement in Washington and Nevada for 56 years. Sheriff Songer began his career with the United States Air Force, and following an Honorable Discharge, he served sheriff’s offices in Clark and Klickitat Counties in Washington, and as police chief in Elko, Nevada. Songer has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, along with completing the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Sheriff Richard Mack presented Sheriff Songer the award for Constitutional Sheriff of the Year for 2019 at the Mesa, Arizona CSPOA (Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association) meeting. Sheriff Songer was re-elected to his third 4-year term in 2022 as Sheriff of Klickitat County, and will focus on protecting the Constitutional Rights and Liberties of the citizens of Klickitat County. Sheriff Bob Songer has 20 Deputies, 12 Corrections, 7 Support Staff, and 170 Posse Deputy Volunteers within Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office to support the county population of 23,118 within its 1,904 miles.

Sheriff Rick Staly was elected Flagler County, Florida Sheriff on November 8, 2016. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2020 and re-elected unopposed in 2024. As Sheriff, he leads a work force of more than 450 employees and volunteers and manages a budget of $50 million. Sheriff Staly holds a Master’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. Sheriff Staly is a graduate of the 177th Session of the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute's 79th Administrative Officer's Course and is trained in Homeland Security. Sheriff Staly also graduated from the 112th Session of the National Sheriff’s Institute, 2nd Session of the National Sheriff’s Institute Jail Administration course, and the 79th Session of the FBI L.E.E.D.S. program. Sheriff Staly began his career in 1975 in municipal policing and in 1977 joined the Orange County, Florida Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. Over the next 23 ½ years he was promoted to Undersheriff and retired in 2001 but remained a fully certified Reserve Deputy with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Over the next 11 years he worked in the private security field as a Senior Vice President and later owned his own security company with 128 employees and annual revenue of $3.5 million. In 2012, the company was sold to a national security company and in 2013 he joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office as Undersheriff retiring in 2015. In 2016 he was elected Sheriff of Flagler County. During Sheriff Staly’s career he has received numerous awards, commendations and medals, including the Medal of Valor, Sheriff’s Purple Heart Medal and Florida Governor’s Medal of Heroism after being shot three times while saving the life of a deputy sheriff. In 2019, he was selected as 1 of 5 finalists for the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Sheriff Staly is Past Chair for the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and is Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. He currently serves as an officer of the Florida Sheriff's Association and is Past President of the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He is a life member of the NRA. Sheriff Staly has been awarded life memberships in the National Sheriff’s Association, International Association Chiefs of Police, Southern Police Institute Alumni Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association. Sheriff Staly is married to Debbie Staly, and they have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Sheriff Clinton “C.J.” Walters is the elected Sheriff of Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Walters started his law enforcement career in 1999, with the Sheriff’s Office while attending the Police Academy. Sheriff Walters has worked his way through the ranks, and was appointed Sheriff in 2010, and is currently in his fourth term as the elected Sheriff. Sheriff Walters currently is Deputized on the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Sheriff Walters is active with the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association and is an Executive Board Member. He currently is an active Firearms Instructor at the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s/Deputy Sheriff academy, and a retired Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor. Sheriff Walters is married to Rebecca, and has 3 children. Sheriff Walters enjoys hunting, camping, farming, and church. Sheriff Walters is a member of Victory Church and leads the Security ministry.

Sheriff Chris West of Canadian County, Oklahoma, began working in law enforcement in 1984 after serving three years in the US Marine Corps. In 2012, Chris retired from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol at the rank of Captain. West began working at the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office in 2013, and took office as Sheriff in January 2017. Chris ran unopposed in 2020 and was reelected to a third term in June 2024. Sheriff West possesses an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Redlands Community College, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University. Chris is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the US Dept of Homeland Security Leadership Academy. Chris is the 2019 Oklahoma Sheriff of the Year, Past President of the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association, and current 1st Vice President of the National Sheriffs Association. Sheriff West and his wife, Kelly, reside in Mustang, Oklahoma.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

Founded in 2021, the Claremont Institute Sheriffs Fellowship offers training of unparalleled depth and excellence in American political thought and institutions, from the country’s top constitutional experts and political theorists. Fourteen sheriff applicants will be selected for their character, aptitude, accomplishments, zeal, and community reputation to gather for five days to study and discuss the political-philosophical, institutional, and historical arc leading from the American Founding to today’s militant progressivism and multiculturalism, with particular emphasis on the role of law enforcement in maintaining liberty. Discussions will be based on readings from primary sources including John Locke, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England, key court decisions, and the writings and speeches of great statesmen.

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