Sheriff ballot will include Cornwell

Pat Cornwell is among the candidates running for sheriff of Hot Springs County.

Cornwell was born in Powell and raised in Cody until he graduated high school. After getting married and having kids, he wanted a job that had good pay and benefits. He worked in the Park County Sheriff’s Department in the detention center and was later promoted to patrol deputy.

Following a short move to Gillette, Cornwell began with the Thermopolis Police Department on Feb. 16, 2003.

Among his training, Corwell is a traffic accident reconstructionist and is up to date regarding training for DUIs. He’s also had a lot of training regarding administration and domestic violence.

“My biggest thing,” he said, “is I go to the schools every day. When school’s going, I’m there. If I’m in between calls I go walk the hallways of the schools. I want [students] to know we’re friends and not be scared of us.”

Cornwell said he will be a working sheriff, doing investigation as well as administration work. “I want people out in the county to know we’re there for them.”

One of the big issues, Cornwell said, is getting staffing in the jail fixed, such as providing for a field training officer so staff know how the jail operates. He also wants to improve the capabilities of Search & Rescue and help mend the relationship between the sheriff’s office and police department.

Regarding the drug problem in town, Cornwell said they are here but they are getting to the point where they’re moving out to the county, and he wants to use the sheriff’s office and police department in a joint effort to address the issue.

Cornwell further added he would treat everyone fairly, criminal or not, as everyone has the same rights and deserves to be treated with respect.