Politics

Fletcher chief Summey becomes 5th sheriff's candidate

By Bill Moss, Published: January 7, 2014

Erik B. Summey, a former Henderson County sheriff's deputy and current Fletcher police chief, on Tuesday became the third Republican to announce plans to challenge incumbent Sheriff Charlie McDonald, who is also a Republican.

Summey is also the third former Henderson County deputy to file for the top law enforcement post. He joins State Highway Patrol trooper Michael Brown and Polk County deputy Robert Sieber in the Republican primary. Retired Broward County deputy Marty Katz, a Democrat, also plans to run.

Summey began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy. He was promoted in 1993 to sergeant in the detective division and worked in the Drug Enforcement Unit until he was promoted to lieutenant in 1997. He then worked in the Violent Crimes Unit as a lieutenant from 2003 through 2007. While at the department he also supervised the K-9 unit, school resource officers, the department's evidence section and the Hendersonville Housing Authority contract deputies.
In addition to his experience with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Summey has worked for the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office as a detective. He has been Fletcher Police chief since August 2008.
In a news release, Summey said his campaign will focus on:
•Enhancing efforts for drug enforcement and investigations into drug related crimes.
•Reviewing animal services and animal enforcement ordinances in the county.
•Maintaining fiscal responsibility with regard to the department's budget.
•Creating a victim's assistance/district attorney coordinator/liaison.
•Addressing safety/security issues in our public buildings to include the court house and our county schools.
"I am very fortunate and blessed to have had the many opportunities to develop myself as a leader in the law enforcement profession," he said. "I have been serving the citizens of Henderson County in law enforcement for over 24 years. I have been a supervisor and manager for over 18 years. If elected, I will continue to use the real leadership skills I have to enhance the safety of the citizens in our county."
A native of Henderson County, Summey graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1986. He has an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Stanly Community College. His training also includes graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and the Management Development Program through the North Carolina Justice Academy. He has also graduated from the Law Enforcement Executive Program through North Carolina State University.
He and his wife, Julie Varnadore Summey, live in Hendersonville.