Howard County Sheriff Jeff Oswald announced that he will seek a second term. A Republican, he was elected in November 2020, defeating two-term Democratic incumbent Mike Neal.

Before he was elected Sheriff, Oswald served on the Fayette Police Department for 19 years, the last nine years of which he served as City Marshal. In addition, he is a certified law enforcement instructor.

“Serving Howard County as Sheriff has been an honor and privilege that I hope to continue for the next four years,” Oswald said. “When I announced my bid for Sheriff in 2020, I stated that it was my intention to promote more proactive policing here in Howard County. I believe that I have accomplished this goal by hiring and retaining quality employees who truly have their hearts in the job. I have deputies and civilian employees that care about the community, and that is what this is all about, serving the community.”

Sheriff Oswald said that improved training, upgraded equipment, and a County Commission that understands the needs of the Sheriff’s Office have all played a vital role in the growth of the department.

Last May, the Sheriff’s Department has added a new K-9 program that Oswald says assists in proactive policing. “Through fundraising events and community support, we were able to start up a new K-9 program. Every day, the battle against dangerous drugs wages on, and now, with the acute dangers of Fentanyl, it’s important that we continue our diligent fight against these substances.”

Sheriff Oswald and his wife, Sonya, live in Fayette with their children, Shane, Ella, Cooper, and Sophie. A native of nearby Blackwater, he graduated from Boonville High School before earning a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Lindenwood University in St. Louis.

“Serving the citizens of Howard County has been the most humbling and rewarding experience in my law enforcement career,” Oswald said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving and to ensure Howard County remains a safe place to call home.”

The filing period for county elections opens at 8 a.m. on February 27 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 26 in the Howard County Clerk’s office inside the courthouse. Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 6. The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.