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After 30 years as a Montgomery County police officer, Norman W. Brissett says he has gotten to know the community he serves and what it takes to protect it.

Brissett, an accident investigator and traffic enforcement officer, says the public could be better served by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, which is why he has entered the county sheriff's race.

He is running as the "citizen's candidate," he said.

Brissett, 61, a Democrat, says his first act if elected will be to reach out to deputies and the public for feedback.

"I'm going to make sure we look at everything and make sure everybody does their part so that we have the best service there is that is not lacking in any way to the community," Brissett said.

Brissett faces Democrats Darren Mark Popkin, Edward A. Clarke and Tom Falcinelli Jr. in the Sept. 14 primary election. No Republican has filed to run for the position held by Raymond Kight (D), who is not seeking re-election.

Kight's salary is $135,744, but the pay is going up to $154,000 on Dec. 6 — the day the next sheriff takes office.

"I truly believe in and respect the community I serve in as a law enforcement officer," Brissett said. "When I put my uniform on, I try to engage them and find out what's going on."

Brissett of Silver Spring is originally from Jamaica and served in active duty in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971.

Brissett said that Montgomery County has changed in the 30 years he has worked in county law enforcement and has become more diverse. The sheriff's department, he said, must meet the new challenges that more diverse residents bring.

One major challenge is educating new residents about the services that the department provides, he said.

"For 30 years I've been here, and the sheriff's department has been functioning the same way since I've been here, and it hasn't changed," Brissett said. "We have to now change to better serve the community."

ecunningham@gazette.net

-Residence: Silver Spring

-Age: 61

-Party: Democrat

-Education: Attended Prince George's Community College and the University of Baltimore, majoring in criminal justice

-Work experience: 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Montgomery County Police Department, currently an accident investigator and traffic enforcement officer

-Family: Two children — one is a police officer in Silver Spring, and the other is a fish and game officer in Arizona

-Top three issues: Do more for the community; make the public feel safe; reach out to the county's diverse community

-Campaign funds: $3,316

-Previous political experience: None

-Other affiliations: Volunteer with the Concerns of Police Survivors organization, which helps families of officers killed in the line of duty

-Website: www.brissettforsheriff.com