Sheriff Announces He Won’t Seek Re-Election
Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick has announced that he will not seek a fourth term for the position.
Frederick has served as the county’s sheriff for 12 years. He got his start in law enforcement with the city of Poplar in 1997. He then joined the tribal police department in 1999 before switching to the county’s sheriff’s office in 2000. His roles at the sheriff’s office have included being corporal, sergeant, chief deputy and undersheriff.
Frederick explained that he has been debating whether or not to seek re-election for the past four years.
“It comes a time when you aren’t enjoying your job anymore,” Frederick said.
He noted that law enforcement has changed during the past few years and social media has played a negative role nationally. “And it affects us nationally,” he added.
Another challenge is the emotional strain of being county coroner especially when the calls regard young people and individuals that he coached throughout the years.
Some professional relationships haven’t been as totally positive as they were in the past. “It’s really important to work with the local sheriff at the federal level,” he said.
The top reason for his decision, however, regards spending more time with his family.
“It’s time to put my family first,” Frederick said. “I’m probably about 25 years late, but I’m going to give it a go.”
Frederick doesn’t have any specific future plans for after he completes his final term.
“I’m not a stay-at-home kind of guy,” he said. “I might find some hobbies or a new job.”
He feels the sheriff’s office has made positive strides during his tenure.
Frederick said the office has taken a pro-active approach and is a respected agency. He is one of only six sheriffs in the state who is a member of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers’ board of directors. He says the involvements helps the county receive mutual aid and resources.
In 2022, Frederick won re-election with 1,436 votes while challenger Brent Nygard received 1,073 votes.
Feb. 17 is the first day that candidates can officially file for municipal offices. Both Sheriff Office Lt. Jason Baker and Wes Headdress have announced on social media their intentions of running for the sheriff’s position.
Frederick openly support Baker to be the next sheriff. Baker is one of only six undersheriffs or officers that is a board member of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers.
Frederick thanks his current and past co-workers for their support. “A big thank you to my wife and children for allowing me to do this job,” Frederick said.
