SHERIFF OTTO HANAK ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID TO SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak announced today (Friday) that he is seeking re-election to the office of Sheriff.
Hanak was sworn in as sheriff on January 1st of 2013, and his current term will expire on December 31st of 2016.
Sheriff Hanak’s law enforcement experiences consist of being a Texas Corrections officer for over 3 years, a Texas State Trooper for 13 years, a Texas Ranger for 15 years with the last 13 years assigned to Washington County, an Investigator with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for 3 years, and the Sheriff of Washington County for just under three years. He has accumulated over 4500 hours of training in law enforcement, corrections and jail management, criminal investigation.
According to the Friday press release, Hanak announces his accomplishments since taking office:
…he and his staff of 60 focused on accomplishing that plan, as well as others, and have fulfilled a majority of the intended first term goals. During his first term, Sheriff Hanak instituted policies that allow for high visibility of his deputies in our neighborhoods, secondary roadways, in and around our schools, and at our rural businesses. Visibility, according to Sheriff Hanak is a key component to the reduction of criminal activity as well as providing comfort for our citizens. His deputies spend countless hours patrolling our 600 square mile county while always being vigilant for criminal behavior. His Criminal Investigation Division staff has surpassed all odds and expectations in solving crimes by working hard, being knowledgeable, tenacious, and inquisitive, all while remembering our crime victims.
During his first term, which has consisted of less than three years, Sheriff Hanak believes he has performed his duties at the Sheriff’s office and jail with fiscal and focused responsibility. His inmate work crews have saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars including the latest savings of over $250,000.00 by having inmate labor re-paint the over 20 year old jail facility. In addition, other major repairs and updates, as well as everyday maintenance has been performed at the facility by inmate work crews and staff members to insure the entire facility will last another 20 plus years. Sheriff Hanak is also responsible for providing inmate work crews for numerous non-profit organizations of Washington County as well as on county roads and other county owned properties. In just 2014, an inmate work crew, assigned daily to our Road and Bridge Department, the Washington County Fairgrounds, and the Sheriff’s office saved our county almost $70,000.00 in labor costs as well as removing over 700,000 pounds of debris from our rural roadways. However, Sheriff Hanak believes the work has just begun and is eager to continue to provide professional services to the citizens of Washington County for another term. Sheriff Hanak believes the Washington County Sheriff's Office has earned the faith and trust of our citizens due to the hard work performed by staff members and feels the office has made great strides in fighting crime in Washington County. In addition, we strive daily to improve all of the services provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and work hard to foster positive relationships with all of our Washington County citizens and public safety partners. I look forward to our continued dedication in providing the best ethical and professional law enforcement and corrections services available well into the future.
Sheriff Hanak’s law enforcement experiences consist of being a Texas Corrections officer for over 3 years, a Texas State Trooper for 13 years, a Texas Ranger for 15 years with the last 13 years assigned to Washington County, an Investigator with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for 3 years, and lastly the Sheriff of Washington County for just under three years. He has accumulated over 4500 hours of training in law enforcement, corrections and jail management, criminal investigation.
As a retired law enforcement officer with over 33 years of experience on a state and county level of government, I have seen the some of the best and worst of leadership. I can assure the citizens of Washington County that Sheriff Otto Hanak is one of the most professional leaders in law enforcement. Sheriff Hanak has the foundation and experience to lead the Washington County Sheriff’s Office through some of the most tumultuous times our nation seen in many years. Please support Sheriff Hanak and urge your county commissioners to support the sheriff’s office so that Washington County can continue to enjoy the safety and security that only comes from community involvement and the dedicated and selfless service of law enforcement professionals.
Thank you,
Matt Cawthon
I think Sheriff Hanak has done a great job this term. For the next term to be more successful he needs to address the fact that all but 2 Deputies with more than 2 years law enforcement experience have either retired or gone to other law enforcement agencies. The public believes that has occurred because of a lack of pay which is partially true. The other big issue is the micromanagement by a person or persons in the command staff below Sheriff Hanak. Sheriff Hanak knows there is a problem and hopefully it is addressed before the start of the second term so that more deputies don’t leave.
Sheriff Hanak has time and again requested more pay for his entire office, but the commissioners won’t budge. The commissioners seem to live in Utopia, believing this is a crime-free county. They deny the Sheriff’s Office the most basic of equipment by scrutinizing and minimizing the Sheriff’s budge. You’re right, ?, the Sheriff’s office needs more competitive salaries, but that lies in the hands of the commissioners. THAT’S where we need fresh faces/voices.
Great news! Best Sheriff we have ever had. He has instilled professionalism in his staff and is progressive. I have seen more Sheriffs patrol vehicles on county roads at all times of day and night in the last few years than ever. That has to deter burglaries and other crimes. I’m sure it is a thankless job, but THANK YOU Sheriff Hanak for all you do!
Looking forward to another wonderful 4 year term from our fine sheriff.