Sequoyah County Sheriff Johnny Philpot announced Wednesday that he will seek re-election to a third term as Sequoyah County sheriff.

Philpot said he is a lifelong resident of Sequoyah County, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and has an extensive background in law enforcement.

Philpot's career began with the Sallisaw Police Department in January 1977, where he served for six years with four of those years as assistant police chief. In September 1987, Philpot joined the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department as a deputy under the administration of former Sheriff Sam Lockhart. Philpot continued with the sheriff's department under the administration of Sheriff Wade Stovall, serving in the position of undersheriff. From 1992 until his election in 1996, Philpot served as an Oklahoma State Parks Ranger at Brushy Lake.

"I ran my first campaign based on the need to address the drug problem in Sequoyah County, believing the drug situation leads to the vast majority of all crimes reported in Sequoyah County," Philpot said. "I began an aggressive, no tolerance policy of enforcing drug laws that has resulted in one of the highest records of drug-related arrests, drug lab seizures, and subsequent convictions in the state of Oklahoma."

Philpot said his policy of drug enforcement continues today, and it will continue as long as he is sheriff.

"During my term as sheriff, the number of officers patrolling the county has increased from four to 10," Philpot said. "I have obtained a fleet of new patrol vehicles of the type better suited for county law enforcement, self-contained breathing apparatus units, bullet-proof vests, complete computer setups, and many other items of equipment needed for use by law enforcement officers."

Philpot said he has purchased the needed equipment by using the proceeds from drug forfeitures, federal grants, and service fees at little or no cost to county taxpayers.

"Under my supervision, the sheriff's department has received commendations from the governor, House of Representatives, State Senate, and the United States Congress," Philpot said.

Philpot is the son of Norman "Bullit" and the late Marilyn Philpot.

Philpot and his wife of 30 years, Mary, are the parents of Johnna Johnson, 27, and Jeremy Philpot, 23.