Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I am a native of Wayne County, born and raised in the Nahunta community. My parents were the late Aaron and Ernestine Winders, who raised me and my three sisters in a Christian home filled with love, high morals, and strong family values. They were tenant farmers in the Nahunta, Fremont, Eureka and Faro areas of Wayne County and attended Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church. I graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School in 1975.

My wife, the former Teresa Sullivan, and I, have three beautiful daughters, Jessica, who recently married Jason Rouse, Ashley, and Carianne. We now reside in Pikeville, not far from where both Teresa and I grew up. Our family continues to attend Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

In 1984, I began my law enforcement career with the Goldsboro Police Department. Starting off as a Patrol Officer, I worked my way up to investigator. Here, I obtained as much training and education as possible. My education includes being a Basic Law Enforcement Training graduate from Wayne Community College, attending numerous specialized training courses certified by the N.C. Justice Academy, a graduate of both the FBI Command College and the National Sheriffs Institute. Also, I was one of the first in the state to graduate from the N.C. Criminal Investigators Academy.

I was elected as the first Republican Sheriff in Wayne County's history in 1994. I was one of the youngest and most pro-active Sheriff's to ever take office. Being a visionary, my goals require of me, stern leadership, dedication, professionalism, and the most important, concern for the safety and well being of the people of Wayne County. I was determined to bring the Wayne County Sheriff's Office into the 21st Century by listening and responding to the concerns of those that I serve.

As Sheriff, my priorities are to serve and to protect you, your family, and neighbors. I'm a working Sheriff; I have always been available and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you. I am involved in many civic organizations, and attend numerous community and church events, giving me an opportunity to speak with you, listen to your concerns, problems, ideas, and praise.

I am running for Sheriff and need your vote. I ask you to look at the changes and improvements to your Sheriff's Office. These advancements could not have been made without your input and support. Together we have been able to bring the Sheriff's Office into 21st century.

When I became Sheriff I knew I faced many difficult challenges, but I am use to hard work and knew that changes had to be made. In order to make those changes my staff and I were innovative. We applied for grants, worked with the Commissioners, aggressively worked drug investigations and made asset seizures. This enabled us to transform an antiquated reactive organization into a modern proactive force. However, during this time, the most important asset I had was your support. You put your trust in me, you were willing to stand up, speak up and support the ideas that needed to be implemented and yes, even made the improvements possible.

As your Sheriff, I have put my heart and soul in this job to serve you. When you cast your vote this November 2nd, I ask you to reflect upon my record, my values, my qualifications, my experience, my leadership, and my dedication. Together we have made a difference.

My slogan has always been "The Progress Continues". With your help and support it will still continue.

Thank You and God Bless.

- Carey A. Winders, Sheriff