It has been less than a week now since I was selected and sworn in as your new sheriff. I accepted the position on January 2, 2025, with humility and gratitude and will continue to work endlessly for the citizens of Pittsburg County. When I retired from McAlester Police Department in December 2016, I came to the Sheriff’s Office as Undersheriff, not having any desire to seek the office of the sheriff.
In May 2024, the former sheriff was suspended (with pay) after the Pittsburg County Commissioners filed a petition in Pittsburg County District Court to remove him from office. Criminal charges were filed a few days later and I was appointed the Interim Sheriff on June 8, 2024. I retained that title for the remainder of the term (January 2,2025).
The 70 employees working at that time began asking me what was going on. These were employees who rely on their jobs to care for their families and provide food and shelter for them. I could sense the urgency of the employees, as they were searching for answers. In conversation with Undersheriff Loyd London, we agreed to do what was necessary to ease their fears.
We personally met with all employees and explained to them what little information we were aware of at the time. We assured each of them their jobs were secure and to continue the great job they were doing. Within a few weeks, the work environment began to turn around and change for the better. This was accomplished with a few changes created from within. As previously stated, I never desired the office of the sheriff, but that changed after several employees and friends asked me to consider the position.
Eight months has quickly past, and I have prayed faithfully about the decision to seek the office of sheriff. The Lord has a road map for everyone in which only He knows the detours and turns. The past few months have opened my eyes to the many duties and demands of the sheriff I was not aware of. There are many fences to be mended along the way and several have already been repaired. I will continue to operate the office with complete transparency and honesty. I will continue to provide protection and services to the citizens of this county in a professional manner.
The County Commissioners will be announcing the date of a special election soon at which time I plan to file for the office of sheriff for Pittsburg County. I will make an announcement when the date of the election is announced. The entire staff and I would greatly appreciate your support at that time. Working together, we will continue to make Pittsburg County a safer place for our families.
Sheriff Frankie McClendon
