Cole to seek sheriff’s post

TRINITY – Criminal Investigator Mark Cole of Trinity has announced he will be a candidate for the Trinity County sheriff’s post in the 2010 Democratic Primary election.
Cole will be challenging Sheriff Ralph Montemayor who also has announced his intention to seek the office.
Montemayor was appointed to the position in December 2008 after Sheriff Brent Lee was killed in a one-car accident while traveling to a crime scene.
Both Cole and Montemayor are seeking a two-year unexpired term created by Lee’s death.
Filing for places on the March 2, 2010 primary ballot will begin on Dec. 3 and continue through Jan. 4, 2010.
With over 28 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, Cole said he feels he has the experience and training needed to be an effective sheriff for Trinity County.
In announcing his intention to enter the primary election, Cole said as sheriff he plans to increase patrols by deputies in the rural neighborhoods and subdivisions of the county.
“I will listen to any resident’s complaints and if needed, take necessary action to correct the problems,” he promised.
“There will be more of a ‘can do’ attitude toward an efficient and proactive sheriff’s department,” he said.
Acknowledging that he will sometimes be limited by budgetary restraints, Cole said he would seek support through grants offered by the federal government to help purchase equipment and possibly hire additional patrol deputies.
“I will use every possible avenue to help the citizens of Trinity County to lower crime,” he added.
“I not only have the training needed to be sheriff, but I am certified to teach a lot of the courses that other officers need. As sheriff, I can provide those classes to officers here without the expense of having to send them out of the county,” he said.
During his years as a law officer, Cole has been certified as a Basic Peace Officer, Intermediate Peace Office and Advanced Peace Officer. He currently possesses a Master Peace Office certificate.
He is certified instructor in firearms, fingerprint comparison, chemical agents and crime scene investigation.
Cole has been a criminal investigator with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Office of Inspector General for the past 15 years and currently serves as a senior investigator.
“Working in the prison system, I have had a lot of experience handling and investigating crime scenes,” he noted.
His duties with TDCJ also have given him extensive experience in handling and preserving evidence.
Prior to joining TDCJ, Cole was employed by the City of Chateau Woods as a peace office, rising to the position of police chief. He also has served with the Shenandoah and Willis police departments.
Cole was named the Investigator of the Year by TDCJ’s Office of Inspector General for both 2006 and 2007.
He has resided in Trinity County for the last several years along with his wife, Beckie, and two sons, Dalton and Dean, both students at Trinity High School.
“I would appreciate you vote and support for sheriff of Trinity County,” Cole added.