Several rumors have been circulating about local residents deciding to run in local residents. One of the many races in question is the race for Sheriff. 

Mike Fitzhugh announced he is a candidate for the office of Sheriff of Rutherford County. He will run as a Republican. 

A press release sent to WGNS on Monday afternoon stated, "Fitzhugh enters the race for Sheriff as a Republican candidate, with a platform based on conservative fiscal values, and a focus on restoring leadership and cost efficiency to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office."

Fitzhugh noted in his announcement, “A new leader is needed for Sheriff. A Sheriff who will introduce measures to stop the wasteful spending of our citizens’ hard earned tax dollars. A Sheriff who will restore leadership, and work within approved budgetary levels.”

Fitzhugh says that he has reviewed budgets from the last several years at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. He stated,  “I will prepare for our citizens a budget that is based on factual, proven needs…not wants, and then live wholly within that budget.”

Fitzhugh stated, “I bring over 40 years of successful business and law enforcement management experience to offer our citizens. I will make administrative decisions that are supported by sound business principles and law. This change will equal efficiency.” 

From a Media Release: 

During his 25 years in management at BellSouth, Fitzhugh was responsible for business operations in locations from Nashville to New Orleans, and was instrumental in managing labor relations, marketing services and district operations. Following early retirement from BellSouth in the early 1990’s, Fitzhugh joined the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, in 1994, rising quickly to positions of leadership as Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain in Patrol, Communications, and Warrants divisions. He coordinated and implemented the $500,000 state-of-the-art communications center currently in use at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Fitzhugh saved taxpayers nearly half of the cost of this needed system by researching and proposing application for a $220,000 grant, which was ultimately awarded to Rutherford County. “I’m serious about saving taxpayers unnecessary expenses.” he remarked.

Fitzhugh and his wife, Janice, live in Rutherford County, and are members of The First Baptist Church. Fitzhugh graduated from Murfreesboro Central High School and earned a B.S. degree in Business from Middle Tennessee State University. He was active as a 10 year volunteer with the Rutherford County Rescue Squad, serving as Director for four years.