Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Sheriff Steve Bizzell is a life long resident of Johnston County in the Pine-Level/Princeton area. He attended Princeton High School and Coastal Plains Law Enforcement Academy. Bizzell was raised on a family farm, the son of a framer and a Pentecostal-Holiness preacher, and is one of eight children. Prior to becoming Sheriff he managed the Bizzell family farm.

Steve had the privilege of serving under two former Sheriffs, both as a Special Deputy and as a Deputy Sheriff, beginning in 1980, before being elected Sheriff in 1998.

He was elected Sheriff in November 1998 at age 39, and was sworn into office in December 1998. Sheriff Bizzell was re-elected in 2002 and 2006. Having the honor to serve as Sheriff of Johnston County is a goal Sheriff Bizzell has had since a young boy. Sheriff Bizzell has proven himself to be an effective leader. He has been voted Best Civic Leader in Johnston County three times.

Sheriff Bizzell served as President of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association from 2007 to 2008 where he represented all 100 Sheriffs in the State of North Carolina. He held the position of Chairman of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association from 2008 to 2009 and currently serves as a board member.

Steve is married and has three children. The family attends Bizzell Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church near Princeton.

As Sheriff of Johnston County for the past 12 years, I have built an effective team of trained professionals that continue to serve the public in an effective and efficient manner every day. My record speaks for itself. I have managed the Sheriff's Office in a conservative manner keeping in mind who's paying the bills. We have also provided the equipment and other resources necessary to enable all employees to perform their duties.

It is an honor to serve as Sheriff, the chief law enforcement officer in Johnston County, and I take great pride in the accomplishments that we, working together as a team, have made. The deputies, staff and I believe we have the best Sheriff's Office in the State of North Carolina.

"Leadership that's working," is my theme. It is an example of the dedication and commitment that all employees - deputies, jailors, dispatchers, secretaries, cooks, fleet services and technical staff have. With our determination, we will continue to provide the superior public safety that our citizens are accustomed to and of which they are so deserving.

I look forward to continuing the progress at the Sheriff's Office to ensure that we have safe communities to live, work and raise our families. I will continue to be a strong, consistent voice for responsible government and plain ole' Johnston County common sense values.