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Simmons looks to be next sheriff
Maj. Dwight Simmons is a 24-year veteran of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, he has served as road deputy, lieutenant over night shift operations, as well as a K-9 handler of three separate narcotics detection or dual-purpose K-9s for the agency. Maj. Simmons is currently the operations commander in charge of the enforcement division, investigations, courthouse security and animal care and control.
Dwight Simmons is a graduate of Decatur Central High School and is a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. He holds an AAS degree in human services/criminal justice from Ivy Tech State College. He is an active shooter instructor, as well as a criminal interdiction instructor for the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association, where he has taught thousands of Law Enforcement Academy cadets since 2009. In addition to teaching at the Law Enforcement Academy, he has taught drug enforcement at numerous agencies throughout the state of Indiana.
Maj. Simmons has dedicated his entire career to stemming the flow of dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods. During his years as a drug enforcement officer, he has been directly involved in the seizure of more than 2,000 pounds of illicit narcotics (to include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin) from Putnam County roadways, thus stopping their distribution into our community. Maj. Simmons has been recognized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for his efforts to stop the flow of bulk drug shipments through Putnam County, and the state of Indiana. Simmons has also provided the local community schools and other organizations with public appearances on law enforcement, drug awareness and emergency preparedness planning.
“I am the only candidate for sheriff with merit law enforcement experience with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office,” Simmons said. “Additionally, I am the only candidate who has served their entire law enforcement career in Putnam County.”
Maj. Simmons is married to Debra (Scaggs) Simmons, who is a dispatch supervisor for Putnam County 911. Dwight and Debra reside in Washington Township where together, they have raised seven children.
Simmons would like to use his experience in drug enforcement work to lead the agency toward continued success in combating crime all across Putnam County.
“Persons involved in the drug trade oftentimes are also involved in any number of other crimes that plague our community,” Simmons said. “We must remain vigilant from an enforcement perspective, to ensure that our citizens are free to enjoy a safe community to raise their families. I intend to continue utilizing the resources from our federal partners, and continue to work closely with other agencies both within, as well as outside of Putnam County.”
Maj. Simmons values any endeavor where proactivity yields the greatest return, living by a simple quote from Benjamin Franklin. “Energy and persistence conquers all things.”