[ Ed. note: Forrest Smith has authorized the Times & Free Press to publish the following paid political announcement of his candidacy for Kingfisher County Sheriff, subject to the June 18 Republican primary election.]

As a candidate for Kingfisher County Sheriff, I am more than just a law enforcement professional – I am also a dedicated husband and father.

I’ve been happily married to Gina Smith for 21 years, and together we have two wonderful children, Harlie and Scout.

Gina excels in her role as a Financial Management Analyst for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Nestled in Kingfisher County, our family calls Okarche home.

My journey in law enforcement commenced in 1995 in the Tulsa Metro, where I quickly advanced my career in the narcotics division. It was during this time that I received specialized training from the DEA, particularly during the clandestine lab epidemic, which solidified my expertise in combating drug-related crimes.

With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an advanced CLEET license, over the past 27 years, I have steadily advanced through the ranks, holding positions such as Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, Chief of Police in Okarche, and currently, Public Safety Director.

My career spans service with municipal, state and federal agencies, where I have served with unwavering pride and dedication.

Throughout my career, I’ve garnered numerous accolades and accomplishments.

I’ve become a certified expert in Oklahoma in methamphetamine and clandestine labs, solved numerous high-priority cases, and spearheaded initiatives such as creating and implementing K9 programs, authoring grants, and developing policies.

My dedication to community outreach is evident through my work in pioneering school resource programs and strengthening child advocacy and domestic violence programs within agencies.

My commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by my participation in specialized training programs, including becoming an FBI-trained crisis negotiator and a graduate of the FBI leadership institute.

I’ve also lent my expertise to numerous towns and cities, often being called upon to assist with internal affairs investigations.

Upon my arrival in Okarche in 2018, I was tasked with rebuilding a department that had become disconnected from the community.

Through the hard work of my team, we successfully transformed the department into one deeply rooted in serving the community – a quality I intend to bring to the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office.

My decision to run for Sheriff is driven by my multifaceted background, unwavering dedication to law enforcement principles and commitment to victim advocacy.

My proven track record and passion for community safety make me an exceptional choice to lead the sheriff’s office and ensure the security of Kingfisher County’s citizens.

Paid for by Forrest Smith