[ Ed. note: Aaron Pitts 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.]

My name is Aaron Pitts and I am running for Kingfisher County Sheriff.

I grew up in Hennessey. After graduating from Hennessey High School in 2008, I decided to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

That is also the year I met my wife, then Ariel Karrenbrock. Two years later, Ariel and I married in June 2010 at Federated Church in Kingfisher. Together, we have been blessed with three sons: Jaxon, Jett and Jonah.

My family and I have lived in Kingfi sher for over a decade and have been proud of the impact we have made to the Kingfisher County community during our time here.

My wife Ariel is the business owner of Scissortails Dog Salon and Spa, located in Hennessey. She and I are proud of the economic and social benefits we’ve been able to bring to Hennessey through the business.

Prior to law enforcement, I worked in the oil industry as a crane operator for Weatherford ALS in Hennessey. My experiences there showed me that my passions lay elsewhere and, after much prayer, Ariel and I made the decision to join the law enforcement community.

I began my career in law enforcement in 2016 as an officer for the Enid Police Department. In 2017, I joined the Hennessey Police Department where I have served ever since.

During that time, I have been able to accomplish deeds such as becoming a D.A.R.E. instructor in 2019 and teaching D.A.R.E. to fifth-grade students. I have also had the opportunity to serve as the School Resource Officer for Hennessey Public Schools from 2019-2022.

Within that time frame, I also got the chance to begin coaching football as assistant coach in 2020; a position I continue to do.

In 2022, I was appointed Chief of Police; a role which I currently hold. Responsibilities that I’ve held as Chief of Police include assigning programs and police activities, preparing and maintaining records and reports, managing employees and investigations, developing policies and regulation and planning budgets for the police department.

Since taking on the position of chief, I have worked with the town administrator and board of trustees to increase the number of police officers and wages for our officers. I have also taken on additional roles such as taser instructor, line safety offi cer, patrol sergeant, reserve academy coordinator and, most recently, Emergency Manager for the Town of Hennessey.

I have decided to run for Sheriff because I believe in the power of public service and the importance of a responsive and accountable law enforcement agency that continues to improve for the betterment of all they serve in our community.

With my deep understanding of the values, needs and challenges of Kingfisher County, and my experience in law enforcement, I am confident that I have the empathy, dedication and local knowledge needed to serve as your Sheriff with integrity and effectiveness for the betterment of our county.

I look forward to earning your vote!

Authorized and Paid for by Aaron Pitts for Sheriff 2024