McDowell Sheriff’s Office Honored at Commissioners Meeting

On Feb. 16, the McDowell County Board of Commissioners recognized the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team for its role in Operation Winter Freeze, a recent county-wide anti-drug operation that yielded 22 arrests and significant drug and weapon seizures. 

Sheriff Ricky Buchanan, who announced last year that he will not seek re-election after more than 30 years of service, has endorsed his Chief Deputy, Nathan Mace, as his successor in the March 3 Republican primary. Buchanan credited Mace with steady leadership and deep community ties as key assets for the sheriff’s office going forward. 

“We are committed to serving the citizens of McDowell County,” Buchanan said, noting the sacrifices deputies make in pursuit of public safety.

Chief Deputy Mace echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the often-unseen efforts behind initiatives such as Operation Winter Freeze and signaling that similar operations are expected in the future.

Mace faces a contested Republican primary on March 3 with three challengers — J.S. Calvert, Bryon Crisp and Brent Rumfelt  — all vying to become the county's next sheriff. 

Commissioners also praised the team’s work, noting its impact on community safety and expressing appreciation for ongoing efforts to keep drugs and violence off local streets.