Darryl Maylee, Victor Pitman say backgrounds qualify them for Callaway County sheriff

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

In August, residents of Callaway County will elect a new sheriff, in what is likely the biggest race of the county.

The Republican primary race between current interim sheriff Darryl Maylee and Victor Pitman occurs on August 6. Former Sheriff Clay Chism is unable to serve after losing his peace officer's license due to a DWI conviction.

With no Democrats seeking the sheriff's office, the winner in August will appear on the November ballot unopposed.

Both candidates are going into the election with an extensive background working in law enforcement and different goals in mind, if elected.

Pitman has 40 years of experience being a law enforcement officer, most of which he spent as a law enforcement instructor and trainer, as well as Chief of Police in Holts Summit for several years. Most recently, Pitman has worked for the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, working to train the basic academy, through new sheriff's training.

Pitman also noted working as a division commander for the Cole County Sheriff's Office.

Maylee began his career working as a commission peace officer in New Bloomfield. He also worked as a volunteer for Callaway County, and as a special investigator at the Callaway County prosecuting attorney's office before becoming chief deputy in 2002.

Maylee was selected by the Callaway County Commission as interim sheriff in June 2023. Pitman told ABC 17 News despite Maylee currently serving in the role, he feels confident that his background sets him apart from him.

"It's definitely an edge...Darryl's given excellent service to the citizens of Callaway County for over 30 years," Pitman said. "The question is does he have the ability to guide the sheriff's office as the sheriff and he may very well but I believe I'm better prepared. I believe I have a stronger history when it comes to being a sheriff."

However, Maylee said he has doubts Pitman's background has prepared him for the responsibilities that come along with being sheriff.

"You know, Victor's had some experience as a police chief of a municipality... there's a large difference between the municipality, a county and state agency," Maylee said. "And then, the jail you know.. yes, he had some experience with working in the jail of Cole County. But you know, the jail is a major burden."

Maylee said his pride, integrity and desire to serve the residents of Callaway County is what makes him a viable sheriff. He also noted he wants to protect those who live there, and said he hopes he serves as a sheriff people can feel comfortable around.

"I mean, this is where I was born and raised," Maylee said.

Maylee said he believes the department already has a solid foundation and there isn't much he's looking to change, if elected. However, he said he hopes to get the department CALEA (Commission on Law Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) certified, making the department one of very few in the state of Missouri to be.

"Then, once that is done hopefully in November I want to start the process to get what's known as the NIGO certification...there's a national law enforcement or national jail accreditation and want to start that process for jail and get it accredited as well," Maylee said.

Pitman said if elected, he hopes to create a more transparent department, adding that he has his questions over the handling of Chism. He said he believes there is a stronger need for a "stronger and more ethical leadership" in the department.

"I think the primary goal for the sheriff is to set the tone for the agency...I believe that the sheriff's office should be responsive to the citizens and that law enforcement is a half adversarial, half service operation," Pitman said.

You can watch the full interview with Maylee here. The full interview with Pitman is also available here.