After nearly four decades of dedicated public service to his nation, to the state of West Virginia, the Clarksburg Fire Department, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Quiet Dell resident Dixon Pruitt is announcing his pre-candidacy for Sheriff of Harrison County.
Pruitt provided the following information via news release.
On April 1, 2023, Pruitt officially retired as a Lieutenant with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. First hired by Sheriff Jim Jack, Pruitt served the Sheriff’s Department for 16 years. During his time as a Sergeant with the Detective’s Division, he led the investigation to close two 30+ year old cold case homicides that occurred in Harrison County.
Prior to joining the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Pruitt served as a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Clarksburg as well as an Inspector and Arson Investigator with the WV State Fire Marshall’s Office. He is also a retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran.
“It has been an honor to serve my country, my state and the people of Harrison County,” Pruitt said. “As a Veteran, a Firefighter, and a career Law Enforcement professional, I believe that hard work and transparency creates confidence from the citizens we serve.”
“My unique career in public service has prepared me to be Sheriff of Harrison County,” Pruitt continued. It would be my privilege to lead the dedicated and professional staff in the Law Enforcement Division as well as the Tax Department and Court House Security.
Pruitt said that his priority in Law Enforcement would include working with local, state and federal agencies to address drug-related crimes throughout Harrison County.
“I will work with the County Commission to develop a well-trained and equipped drug enforcement unit. I will support community policing by working closely with municipal leaders and local schools, and I’ll be a voice for everyone who has been shut out of the system. I will build a cohesive working team environment with all agencies for the betterment of all Harrison County,” Pruitt said.
Pruitt said that one of the biggest problems facing Harrison County families are drug abuse and drug related crimes that all too often end in deadly drug overdoses of our young adults.
“We must do better. We have to do better. Our neighbors and our schools are depending on their local law enforcement to protect our families.” Pruitt said. “Harrison County still leads the state and the nation in the number of overdose deaths per capita due to illegal drug use “.
Pruitt said he wants to make the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department an example that other agencies would want to follow. If elected, he said that he will lead by positive example.
Pruitt is a resident of Harrison County who has had a respected career in public service. Pruitt lives in Quiet Dell with his wife, Leslie Queen Pruitt, a retired court reporter. Pruitt is recognized as a problem solver with close working relationships with local community leaders.
