This piece first appeared in our February 2021 Magazine.

When Mark Pettway became Jefferson County’s first Black Sheriff in 2018, he said he had a goal of creating positive change for the very community he was raised in.

Growing up in Smithfield, Pettway said negative experiences with officers inspired him to become an officer himself. He said he wanted to change the system through his own actions.

“I reached out and I started with law enforcement as a correctional officer, and I said, no, this is not where the change is going to be at, then I became police officer,” Pettway said. “I felt more of an opportunity to change and became part of the community when I worked as a police officer in Fairfield. I really loved it, the community loved me, I loved the community and the kids loved me.”

Pettway said diversity is important among first responders. He said he remembers a time, not so long ago, when this wasn’t possible.

“We’ve gotten a chance now to level the playing field- to be equal, and to have opportunities to become police chiefs and sheriffs,” Pettway said. “The opportunity has been afforded to us and it’s important that we do a good job while we’re in these positions.”

According to datausa.com, just over 12% of the nation’s police officers are Black. Pettway said representation matters in this career.

For Pettway, he said Black History Month is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of past and present Black leaders. Pettway said he recognizes the strides that have been made locally as well.

“The first black (person) on the city council grew up right in my community two blocks away from me,” Pettway said. “Angela Davis grew up three blocks from me. She was very well known in the 70’s for being wanted by the government for some of the things that she did, to protest and to try to show that the system was not fair. I grew up not far from the first Black judge here within Jefferson County. So there’s a lot of firsts right in the community where I grew up and I’m proud of the community.”

When it comes to community outreach, Pettway said this is a very important element of the job.

“Law enforcement is something that has affected the community I come from (in) sort of a negative way,” Pettway said. “And I’ve wanted to try to change that light to a more positive light in our campaign on bridging the gap between law enforcement, and the community.”

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website, part of that change will come in the form of a literacy campaign.

“Through a partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, deputies distribute books while on patrol in communities,” The website said.

Pettway said he is passionate about service through his role as sheriff.

“You know, I’m just thankful to God to be able to have this opportunity to be here, humbled to be able to be a servant of the people,” Pettway said. “I truly love serving. I love being in this role to serve the individuals here in Jefferson County.”