Norman wins sheriff run-off election

WAXAHACHIE – Voters in Ellis County took to the polls last week and elected Brad Norman to take the seat of Ellis County Sheriff in the county’s lone runoff election.

Challenger Brad Norman saw a win with 4,212, or 58.63-percent of the vote. 

Current Sheriff Chuck Edge received 2,972 votes, or 41.37-percent.

Norman worked at the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department in the past under former Sheriff Johnny Brown. 

He began there in 2001 as an assistant commander of a task force, and worked his way up to chief deputy in 2015 before he left the department.

Currently a lieutenant, Norman oversees the operations at Methodist Hospital in Mansfield, and is a Tarrant County Constable Precinct 7 in Mansfield as a reserve deputy.

Norman said the changes he plans to implement when taking the sheriff’s office in January of 2021 will be diverse. 

These changes will include an investigative group focused specifically on sexual assault, human trafficking, and online predators who target and exploit children in Ellis County. 

He also plans to concentrate on mental health issues in the county.

He said the faith of the community was placed in him for the job of sheriff.

“It means the public has placed their faith and trust in me to care for their loved ones who have been incarcerated or are facing criminal charges. 

“It means I get the opportunity to serve this county by making a positive impact on the policies and practices of the sheriff’s office to prepare for the future of Ellis County, our residents, and our business owners.”

Current Sheriff Chuck Edge said he plans to take some time to enjoy retirement when he leaves office.

Edge began his career in 1982, and even when he took a little retirement, he said he knew he was not really retired yet.

Before being appointed to finish out a term for Ellis County Sheriff to replace former outgoing Sheriff Brown – who left before his term expired – Sheriff Edge was a police chief in Palestine, Waxahachie, and an interim chief in Kyle, a city near Austin.

Edge took the role of sheriff in Ellis County when he was appointed in 2017, and then at the next general election in 2018, he ran to finish out the original term. In all when he leaves in January 2021, he will have served the county three years and eight months.

Sheriff Edge has made significant changes in the department during his time including replacing an archaic radio system, replacing the entire old fleet with up-to-date vehicles and new decals, and his deputies are now wearing body cameras.

He also implemented a new and competitive pay structure “to reward folks sticking around and doing a good job,” Edge said.

Another win Edge is hoping to see completed before he leaves in January – the department is almost finished with a recognition program.

“We will be recognized as one of the premier agencies in the state of Texas with best practices,” Edge concluded.