Former investigator announces candidacy

Tuesday, 10 April 2012 by Matthew Girard

Former Bell County Sheriff Investigator Frank Hernandez recently announced his candidacy for the Office of Bell County Sheriff in the upcoming May election.Former Bell County Sheriff Investigator Frank Hernandez is hoping to bring change to the office of the Bell County Sheriff.

Last week, Hernandez announced his candidacy for the office of Bell County Sheriff as an unopposed Democratic candidate.

"I'm running for Sheriff because I feel like the county has gone through some changes the past several years, but I think it's time for a change," Hernandez said. "I want to make some changes in the department and to work with the commissioners on the budget."

Currently, Hernandez works in Cardiology and is an EKG Assistant, but spent 17 years as a member of the Bell County Sheriff's office. After graduation from Temple College in Criminal Justice, Hernandez went to work at the Bell County Sheriff's office as a jailer and eventually became an investigator for the sheriff's department. Hernandez also has served in the Army and the Texas National Guard.

"I just think it's time for change," Hernandez said. "With the population of the county growing, I think there are some concerns that weren't being met. I think some of the old priorities were being met first instead of the newer ones."

Although Hernandez is looking to bring new ideas to the office, he said retiring Bell County Sheriff Dan Smith has done an excellent job.

"Sheriff Smith has done an outstanding job," Hernandez said. "He was my employer for several years and those are some tough shoes to fill, but with cooporation with the administration, jail administration and the Commissioner's Court that transition can be smooth."

Hernandez said the biggest challenge facing whoever takes over the office for Smith is working with the budget.

"The challenge is always going to be working with what you have," Hernandez said. "A lot of that is going to be finances, because each year expenses go up. We have to try and stretch every dollar without jeopardizing the professionalism and integrity of the sheriff's office."

Hernandez also said he wants to make sure to help keep the crime rate in Bell County down as much as possible.

"I want to be a working sheriff and get out there working side-by-side with my deputies to get things done," Hernandez said.

Hernandez is a life-long Bell County resident and has four children, who all have gone through or are currently going to school in the Belton Independent District.

"My goal is to serve the tax payers and citizens of Bell County by utilizing the budget to serve them without taking away any safety or welfare of the county," Hernandez said. "Changes will be made and changes have to be made."

For more information about Frank Hernandez's campaign, search Elect Frank J. Hernandez on Facebook.com.

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