Better late than never, goes the saying. And although Newton Grove Police Chief Frankie Harrell missed the deadline to file in the race for Johnston County sheriff, he will still get his name on the ballot come November.

Harrell, who missed the February deadline to register his intent to run for office, had to collect 3,985 signatures of registered Johnston County voters stating they would like to see his name entered in the election.

“The process of gathering signatures was a lot of hard work which I know will pay off,” said Harrell. “However, that process put me out in the communities and in a position to hear the people’s concerns, which I believe is the first and best place to start.”

Harrell started out in Bentonville, a town of which he is a lifelong resident. He graduated from South Johnston High School and went on to obtain two degrees – a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration and a master of science in administration.

“My goals for the sheriff’s office are based on my years of experience, over six of those years as a Chief of Police, along with my education and having an open ear to the people’s concerns,” said Harrell. “I have listened to the dedicated hardworking people of this county, the concerns of other public safety agencies, and health and human service providers. I plan to build on the basic idea of community oriented policing and build the trust needed to help every citizen to feel safe in their community. The citizens need to know that they can trust the public safety in the county and feel comfortable addressing any issue with any officer at all times.”

Harrell, who is unaffiliated, will face off against Republican incumbent Steve Bizzell and Democrat challenger and former state trooper Gerry Mouzon.