Candidates Profiled—Raissez, Speed run in Primary for Floyd County
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PAUL RAISSEZ
FAMILY AND EDUCATION:
I was born in Floydada, Texas, in 1974 and raised in the Sandhill community until 1983, when my family moved to Lockney. I married Heather Graham in 2012, and together we have five children. My parents are Alfonso and Arlene Raissez. I have two brothers and one sister. I attended school in Floydada until 1983, and then moved to Lockney, where I graduated in 1994. I attended South Plains College and studied Criminal Justice. I obtained my jailer’s license in 1998 from South Plains Association of Government (SPAG). I received my Peace Officer’s License in February of 1999 from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Academy.
WHY DO I WANT THIS OFFICE?
I have found that being a public servant to the citizens of Floyd County has been very gratifying. I’ve got the experience and I’ve got the knowledge, along with the motivation and the enthusiasm that I’ve had for the past thirteen years as your Sheriff. My priority has always been the safety of the families that call, and have made, Floyd County their home. I, along with my staff, are committed to making Floyd County a place where people can raise their children.
SINCE YOU ARE THE INCUMBENT, WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SINCE SERVING THIS POSITION?
One of the things that I’m most proud of is our National Night Out Community Outreach that was started in 2016. Since our first event it has been a great success with approximately two hundred and fifty people in attendance. This event promotes a positive effort to promote Police Community Partnership through crime, drug and violence awareness prevention and neighborhood unity.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB?
I’ve held the position of Sheriff for thirteen years and have been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for twenty-three years. I obtained my County Jailer Certification in 1996 and have since acquired my Master Jailer Certificate. I have also earned my Master Telecommunicator Certificate (Emergency Dispatcher) even though it is not required; however, it helps me keep up with the training needs of my dispatchers and the overall communication needs of law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel. I have my Master Peace Officer Certificate and I have obtained 2,906 hours of continuing education.
CORY SPEED
FAMILY AND EDUCATION:
I am married to Melissa Speed and have two sons, Caleb Speed and Noah Fierros. I grew up in Slaton Texas, where my mom still resides today. I graduated from Slaton High School and then attended South Plains College. I attended Navarro College in Corsicana, where I enrolled in the Navarro Police Academy and graduated 3rd in the class.
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS OFFICE?
I want to be dedicated to the Floyd County citizens by safeguarding our community, improving quality of life, and upholding public trust. I have over 20 years of Law Enforcement experience, and if I am elected into this office I know without a doubt I would be able to accomplish these goals. Along with meeting the goals I have set out, I will bring honesty, reliability, and dedication to the great communities of Floyd County.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO “DO” OR “CHANGE” IF YOUR ELECTED?
I would first and foremost ensure that all citizens of Floyd County are treated equally. I would like to see more coverage patrolling the county from the deputies. I believe ensuring that the residential streets of Lockney are being patrolled to ensure the city is secured and in order. There should be more deputies in the schools, as the kids need to know we are there to help and not be the “ones that are going to take them away”. I want to change the view of policing to a positive view.
I also feel that working collaboratively with other service officials is up most important to ensure that the community in which we live is safe.
I have a strong belief that writing grants in order to save taxpayers money should be incorporated into the work of the Floyd County Sheriff’s office. It is important to be able to help raise funds along with forcing our agency to prioritize its goals and missions, for this great community in which we live. We are a small population county and need everyone to make it work.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB?
I have my Advanced Peace Officers License, Advanced Telecommunication License, Advanced Jailers License, Basic Finger Print Comparison certificate, Certified Instructor through the State of Texas and I have taught many classes in the peace officer academy as well as the county jailer’s academy. I have also taught countless classes to certified officers for continuing education.
