Challenger Bret Bowling has won the Republican Primary 1,587 votes (52.12%) over incumbent John Davis 1,458 (47.88%) to become the new Creek County Sheriff.
Bowling, a retired Sapulpa Police officer, served for a time as Creek County undersheriff in the Davis administration. No one filed on the Democrat side.
Bowling will be sworn in and take over in January.
In the other county runoff race, challenger Leon Warner has won over incumbant Rick Stewart, 671 votes (63.72%) to Stewart’s 382 votes (36.82%).
I’m Warner will next face Democrat Bill Burchett in November.
The County Question third-penny for roads and bridges issue received 2,249 yes votes (55.31%) to 1,817 no votes (44.69%).
In the Pretty Water Public Schools bond issue there were 159 yes votes to 106 no votes.
Bowling said he decided to run for Sheriff to serve at the will of the people of Creek County. “I’m a Peace Officer, not a politician. I’m interested in achieving measurable, transparent results by managing the Sheriff’s Office with improved cost efficiencies, proactive policing methods, combating property crimes and suppressing illicit drug activities – but most importantly – maintaining peace and order with a prestigious ethical standard,” said Bowling.
Bowling has served 26 years as a Peace Officer, including his prior experience as Undersheriff of Creek County. “I’ve gained a considerable amount of working knowledge during my time at Sapulpa and Creek County. I can directly apply that expertise when elected Sheriff,” Bowling said. He also stated that CCSO can be compared to running a multi million-dollar business asset, and that he’s more than prepared for the challenge.
Bowling is a graduate of Sapulpa High School, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science summa cum laude in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. Bowling is a long-time Creek County resident who has successfully operated three local small businesses over the years, while balancing his law enforcement service, family obligations and volunteer service with various organizations.
Bowling’s resume includes 23 years of service to the Sapulpa Police Department where he held positions in Patrol and Investigations, the South West Area Tactical Team (SWAT), Crisis Negotiator Unit Co-Commander, Honor Guard Commander, and has served on both District 24 and 25 Violent Crime and Drug Task Forces.
Bowling served as Supervisor in his respective Sapulpa Police Divisions, and retired as a Captain over Investigations and the Property and Evidence Room where he received numerous awards and commendations. Bowling is an Advanced Instructor for CLEET, and has trained hundreds of peace officers throughout his career.
Bowling also served two years as Creek County Undersheriff after retiring from Sapulpa. Bowling said he gained an incredible amount of working knowledge of daily operations at CCSO during his time there, and is ready to put that knowledge to use for the good of the citizens.
