TAHLEQUAH —
Stephen T. Farmer recently announced his candidacy for chief of police. The election will be held Feb. 12, 2013.
Farmer said his decision to return to the police chief’s position is based on the many requests he’s received from local business owners, concerned citizens and his loyal supporters.
“The residents of Tahlequah need experienced leadership they can depend on in the chief of police,” Farmer said. “I will provide that leadership.”
Farmer believes in leading by example.
“Leaders who have first experienced the different duties of law enforcement have a better working knowledge of those duties and what is required, and make better leaders,” Farmer said. “My goal is to reduce crime by applying problem-solving techniques designed to specifically meet the needs of the citizens of Tahlequah. My leadership will ensure that the police department performs its duties in a manner that gains and maintains the approval and respect of the community.”
Farmer believes the measure of effective leadership will be the respect the department garners within the community.
“I want to develop a department that reduces crime, is respected by the community, is well-managed internally, and is up to date,” Farmer said. “My door will always be open to citizens and officers. Listening to you is among the most important jobs of a chief of police. Join me in making Tahlequah a more comfortable place to live and work.”
Farmer has 24 years law enforcement experience, 17 of which have been with the Tahlequah City Police Department. Farmer is a veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, with both foreign and domestic law enforcement experience. Farmer has served the Tahlequah Police Department in many different roles. He has worked as an animal control officer, dispatcher, patrolman, detective, and police chief.
Farmer, 48, currently operates an international ly known pilot car business for oversized loads.
Farmer’s company provides services to transportation companies throughout the United States and Canada.
“In just three years, I have gone from a one-man operation to over 25 sub-contracting pilot cars moving oversized loads,” Farmer said. “The success of my business is due to my professionalism, hard work, and hiring the right people.”
He also provides police and security training and consulting services for other agencies. Farmer is assisting a law enforcement agency with writing and updating departmental policies and procedures.
He has worked with a Native American tribe, and together they were successful in setting up a training academy for all new officers, and provided updated training to their current 300-plus officers.
Farmer wife, Cindy, is the coordinator of the Cherokee County Juvenile Drug Court. They have five children and two grandchildren.
Farmer is the son of Troy and Virginia Farmer, both retired teachers of Tahlequah Public Schools.
He is a 1982 graduate of Tahlequah High School and attended Northeastern State University. He also attended the U.S. Army Council on Education.
Farmer received his Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training certification in 1993. He has over 1,200 hours of training in a variety of law enforcement and management courses. He currently has an Advanced Peace Officer Certification through CLEET.
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Farmer set to run for police chief
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