ROCKINGHAM — There’s a new sheriff in town.
Mark Gulledge, who served as chief deputy of the late Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr. since 2010, was unanimously approved by the Richmond County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to fill out the rest of the term, following a recommendation by the local Democratic Party.
Party Chair Crystal Morrison said the county received “a horrible shock” upon learning that Clemmons passed away at his home Aug. 5 at the age of 60.
“We are here to make a new move and to start fresh, as he would have wanted us to do so,” Morrison told commissioners while making the recommendation.
The party’s executive committee met on Tuesday Aug. 10 — the same day as Clemmons’ funeral — to discuss the general statute regarding the filling of a vacancy in the office of sheriff.
N.C. General Statute 163-5.1 applies to 44 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, including Richmond, and states that if a sheriff is elected as a member of the party, that party’s executive committee has 30 days to make a recommendation to the county’s board of commissioners to fill the vacancy.
Morrison said the floor was open for any recommendations for anyone “suitable for this position.”
“But … we also know that Sheriff Clemmons vocally made it known that he preferred and wanted and made sure that he wanted us to know that …. Chief Deputy Gulledge was to be in his spot in the event that any unforeseen circumstances came into play,” Morrison said.
Hoke County Sheriff Dr. Hubert Peterkin told the audience at the funeral that he had spoken to Clemmons the night before his death.
“If something happens to me, this is what has to take place: I want my chief deputy to take my place,” Peterkin recalled Clemmons saying, urging those making the decision to “do the right thing.”
Morrison said there were no other recommendations made during the meeting and Gulledge was approved.
“We all knew what Clem wanted,” Morrison said.
Morrison said she and Lois Jones met with Gulledge on Aug. 12 to let him know they wanted him to fill the vacancy, “and he graciously agreed.”
Prior to accepting the recommendation, the board had to approve the official bond, which was also unanimous.
“Of course there’s no opposition by this group of commissioners,” Chairman Jeff Smart said. “Based off of the process tonight … it’s my distinct honor and privilege to present to all of us the next sheriff of Richmond County, Mr. Mark Barringer Gulledge.”
The small crowd gathered in Courtroom C, which included Dobbins Heights Mayor Antonio Blue and Emergency Services Director Bob Smith, then gave a round of applause before Gulledge gave a short address.
Gulledge — who was joined by his wife, Felisia, and daughter, Carley — first gave thanks to Jesus for all who could make it, then thanked the Democratic Party executive committee, his family and the commissioners. He also asked for continued prayers for those at the sheriff’s office “because it’s still tough on a daily basis.”
“I plan on serving with honor, high integrity and the pride that Sheriff Clemmons had in his sheriff’s office,” Gulledge said.
Smart said it’s been a tough situation for the county.
“But I think all of us here, and certainly everyone that had the opportunity to be a part of this, feels 100 percent that this is absolutely the best choice for Richmond County,” Smart said. “Specifically because it’s the way Sheriff Clemmons would have wanted it.”
During a prayer for the county and the country following the adjournment, RCSO Chaplain Robby Stewart made a biblical comparison in the succession.
“As I was sitting here and he was accepted, I thought about Moses and Joshua, when Moses had led the people, and, God, you called up on a mountain and you laid him to rest,” Stewart prayed. “And, Lord, we think of Sheriff Clemmons, a man, Lord, who was a leader. A man, Lord, who was chosen by you to lead us, Lord, in this county — not just in law enforcement but in life.
“And, God, he lived his life not ashamed of the gospel. He lived his life under the anointing that you place upon him: to be a man and to unite and keep us together.”
Stewart said that he imagines Gulledge feels like Joshua, “having to take the baton and move on.”
Gulledge was hired by then-Sheriff Dale Furr in 1999 and worked in the detention division before becoming a road deputy, where he was assigned to Clemmons’ shift.
He will be officially sworn in at a later date and all deputies, jail and administrative employees will have to be re-sworn under the new sheriff.
