Jody Burleyson for Sheriff, Rowan County, NC
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Jody Burleyson For Sheriff Of Rowan County

Official Campaign Biography
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Jody Burleyson: A Proven Leader For Rowan County

For over 26 years, Jody Burleyson has served the citizens of Rowan County in several different positions within the Sheriff’s Office. With deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to public safety, Jody is running for Sheriff to ensure the safety of Rowan County residents and to chart a new course for the department with strong and intentional leadership.

Jody is a lifelong resident of Rowan County. He and his wife, Stacey, have been married for 22 years and they have two sons. Jody and his family are members of First Reformed Church – Landis where he has served as a deacon and initiated their safety team. Jody’s life and career has been built on integrity and respect, making him the right choice to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future.

Law Enforcement Experience

Positions held with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office:
Detention Center / Courts........ 1998-2000
Patrol Deputy.................................. 2000-2003
Special Response Team (SRT) 2001-2022
Honor Guard.................................... 2003-2019
Master Deputy................................ 2004
Detective........................................... 2004-2009
Patrol Sergeant.............................. 2009-2017
Patrol Lieutenant........................... 2017-2025 (retired)

  • Supervised patrol squads from 2009 to 2025
  • As a detective I investigated all criminal matters to include homicide, fraud, larceny/theft, sexual offenses, and violent crimes.
  • I have responded to countless 911 calls that included 911 hang ups, disturbances/fights, domestic violence, murders, death investigations, fraud, larceny/theft, and medical calls.
  • As a member of the Special Response Team (SRT) my duties included serving high-risk and drug warrants, dealing with barricaded subjects, responding to active shooter and hostage situations, and search and rescue.
  • As an administrative detention officer I supervised inmate programs, managed the detention center budget and inmate funds, provided IT (information technology) support, and served as the very first in-house trainer for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).

Other Work Experience

General Manager, Laidlaw Transit (1993–1998)
  • General Manager for the Western District of North Carolina, to include supervision daily operations of the Rowan Transit System
  • Managed the budget, oversaw fleet management, wrote grants, hired staff, and served on the Rowan Transit Board.
  • Certified in defensive driving, and accident investigation and reconstruction. Served as a district trainer and defensive driver instructor.
Jody Burleyson for Sheriff, Rowan County, NC

Education & Training

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Wingate College

Bachelor of Science (1990)

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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) (1999)

Detention Officer Certification (1998)

Honors & Awards:

  • BLET Most Outstanding Student (1999)
  • BLET Top Gun Award (1999)
  • Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (1999)
  • Officer Of The Year (Rowan County Sheriff's Office, 2001)
  • Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate (2002)
  • Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate (2006)
  • Advanced Special Weapons and Tactics School (2007 and 2008)
  • Outstanding Service in Criminal Investigations (2009)
  • Certificate of Appreciation – U.S. Army – John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
  • Appreciation of Service Award – Special Response Team Operator – 21 years (2022)

Why I’m Running

Charting a New Course with Strong and Intentional Leadership

Jody Burleyson’s Mission As Sheriff Is To:

  • Reduce Crime Through Proactive Crime Prevention – Strengthen Our Resources And Department To Ensure Adequate Response
  • Address Drug & Violent Crime – Increase Narcotics Enforcement And Focus On Repeat Offenders
  • Enhance School Safety – Work With Local Schools To Implement Better Safety Programs And Create Awareness
  • Increase Transparency & Community Trust – Open Communication Through Reliable and Timely Information
  • Increase Recruitment & Officer Retention By Providing Intentional and Responsible Leadership
Jody Burleyson for Sheriff, Rowan County, NC

Endorsements & Community Support

"The citizens of Rowan County expect their Sheriff’s Office to be a well led, effective, law enforcement agency. Jody Burleyson has the skills, experience, and dedication to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. That’s why I support Jody Burleyson for Sheriff of Rowan County."
- Bill KenerlyRetired District Attorney
"I’ve known Jody Burleyson for more than 35 years. Professionally, he has been dedicated and committed to not only his job but also the community he’s served. However, beyond that, Jody is a dedicated husband and father and a trustworthy friend. The residents of Rowan County are lucky to have Jody Burleyson as their next Sheriff. Like all things in his life, he’ll serve them dutifully and with compassion."
- Raymond Bush
"I endorse Jody Burleyson for Sheriff of Rowan County. As a lifelong resident and business owner in China Grove, I’ve seen firsthand Jody’s commitment to our community and his dedication to ensuring public safety. His leadership, experience, and passion for service makes him the ideal candidate to protect and serve our county effectively."
Matthew Efird, owner of Stag N Doe Restaurant
- Matthew EfirdOwner of Stag N Doe Restaurant
"Jody is a true example of honesty, integrity, and experience and that’s what Rowan County needs as a leader."
- Greg HoneycuttOwner of Yates & Funderburk Concrete Inc.
"I have known Jody Burleyson for more than 20 years. He is knowledgeable, professional, and devoted to God and his family. These attributes make him the right person to lead the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office."
- Bonnie CorriherRowan County resident and retired healthcare worker
"I have known Jody Burleyson since 1998 when he worked with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and I was with the N.C. Department of Public Safety. We have been colleagues and friends since then. He was always helpful to the Dept. of Probation and Parole assisting with searches and arrests, when called upon. I have found Jody to be honest and dedicated to his job, his family and to God. I believe due to Jody’s many years of experience and his integrity, he would be an excellent Sheriff of Rowan County."
- Trudy GaleChief Probation/Parole Officer (Retired)
“Jody is a highly competent professional who displays genuine knowledge of all facets of law enforcement. He would perform all duties of Rowan County Sheriff in an efficient and professional manner which makes him the right person for the job.”
- Lex GrahamRetired principal and Rowan County resident
“As a county commissioner, law enforcement officer, and veteran, I fully support Jody Burleyson to be our next Sheriff. His 26+ years at the Sheriff’s Office and over 22 years of supervision and leadership in almost every aspect of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office makes him uniquely qualified to serve as our next Sheriff. He has over 20 years as a SRT operator, so you know he has the determination and fortitude to make the changes necessary to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. Please join me in supporting Jody Burleyson for our next Sheriff.”
- Mike Caskey
“I’m proud to announce my support and commitment to the campaign of Jody Burleyson. I have known Jody both professionally and personally for over 25 years. Working next to him in a professional capacity has given me complete confidence in his ability to guide and protect the citizens of Rowan County.”
- Jason OvercashOwner/Operator of Grove Cartel Brewing Company and Meadows at Grove Cartel
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Jody for well over 25 years. I can attest to his professionalism and dedication to his job and family. Jody has proven he has the leadership skills, experience, and vision needed to lead the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office with integrity and effectiveness.”
- Andrew DealChief of the China Grove Police Department
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jody for 43+ years. Jody will serve Rowan County well as the next Sheriff and will restore honor and integrity to the department. Jody is well rooted in the community with a great family and many friends. I don’t think Jody has ever met a stranger. I support Jody with his decision to run for Sheriff of this great county and will do my part in getting him elected.”
Joseph Strickland, President of High Rock Development Services LLC
- Joseph StricklandPresident of High Rock Development Services LLC
“I believe for Rowan County to get the most out of our investment in the Sheriff’s Office, we must elect Jody Burleyson Sheriff of Rowan County. His common sense approach to law enforcement and his years of service and experience, make him our common sense choice.”
Tommy Jones, President of Bathtech LTD
- Tommy JonesPresident of Bathtech LTD
“I retired in 2022 from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office with 42 years of law enforcement experience. I retired as Criminal Captain of our Criminal Division and Commander of our Special Response Team (SRT). I have known Jody Burleyson and his family all my life. I was able to be his supervisor when he was a patrol officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and an Operator on our SRT. I know that Jody Burleyson would serve the citizens of Rowan County well as the next Sheriff of Rowan County.”
- Randy St. Clair

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PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT JODY BURLEYSON

Jody Burleyson for Sheriff, Rowan County, NC
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