Schmidt for Gonzales County Sheriff
I appreciated the opportunity to meet Governor Abbott today and discuss issues we are facing in Gonzales County. – Jan. 11, 2022
Met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst on the border crises and state of the union. – Oct. 12, 2021
I am seeking your support in my bid for re-election as Gonzales County Sheriff. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gonzales County since 2021.
I take pride in the accomplishments we have achieved over the past three years, and I remain committed to enhancing the safety and security of our community. The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office continues to collaborate closely with all law enforcement agencies in the county, as well as our state and federal partners, to pursue justice for crimes committed within our jurisdiction. We have established a strong relationship with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and we have set up an office within the Sheriff’s Office for their agents, allowing them to better serve Gonzales County and support criminal investigations.
Gonzales County has joined Operation Lone Star to provide support during the ever-evolving border crisis. My office has engaged with the Office of the Governor and our Congressmen to ensure that the needs of Gonzales County citizens are met. Additionally, I have collaborated with the Commissioners Court to join the Sheriffs Combined Auto Theft Taskforce, assigning an agent to our county to combat auto-related thefts.
School safety remains one of my top priorities. I have worked with every school in Gonzales County to ensure that our children can attend school without fear. This year, I hosted two school safety events where all school districts and area first responders collaborated to share new ideas and initiatives, keeping this critical issue at the forefront. Several staff members and I have been trained as CRAISE instructors to provide active shooter training to civilians within the county. Furthermore, I am in the process of establishing a Gonzales County Active Threat Committee to proactively plan for potential threats, involving all first responders.
My leadership team is focused on recruiting and retaining the best-qualified personnel in jail, dispatch, and patrol to meet and exceed the needs of our citizens. In today’s challenging environment, attracting and keeping top talent is a significant struggle. Every agency in the state faces recruitment and retention challenges. I will continue to work with the Commissioners Court to explore innovative solutions to this dilemma.
I was honored to participate in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Sheriffs Institute Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where I received invaluable training in developing an executive team, maintaining professional ethics, fostering community trust, leading my agency through crises, managing conflicts, and effective communication. I also learned about decision-making, addressing biases, leading through change, and building external partnerships. I was privileged to graduate on May 10, 2024, among twenty-eight sheriffs from across the country as part of the 122nd graduating class.
I look forward to continuing to serve you, our community, and all of Gonzales County, and I humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sheriff Keith A. Schmidt
Early Voting
Oct. 21 – Nov. 1st 2024
Election Day
November 5, 2024
About Sheriff Schmidt
I am a vibrant CEO and Certified Peace Officer with an innovative mind, who is fiscally conservative, and highly motivated leader seeking the Office of Gonzales County Sheriff. I am poised to leverage forty plus years of experience in promoting good community relations, protecting and serving the great citizens of Gonzales County, responding to emergency situations, maintaining order and enforcing the laws of the State of Texas.
Work Experience
- President of Schmidt & Sons, Inc.
- Former Fire Chief of Gonzales, TX
- Current Gonzales County Fire Marshal
- Certified Texas Peace Officer
Sheriff Schmidt’s Qualifications
- Manage a 50 Million Dollar Budget.
- Written & Received <$500k in Grants.
- Reputable Business Acumen.
- Proven Leadership.
- Proficient in Information Technology.
- Skilled Personnel Management Expertise.
Duties of A Sheriff
- Serves as a Licensed Peace Officer.
- Responsible for Enforcing Criminal Laws of the State.
- Manages and Operates the County Jail.
- Provides Security for the Courts.
- Serves Warrants and Civil Papers.
- Regulates Bail Bondsmen.
Education & Certifications
- Graduated GHS 5/1979
- Licensed Irrigator 8/31/1990
- Basic Fire Inspector 5/5/2011
- Basic Wildland Firefighter 5/15/13
- Driver Operator 1/14/14
- Instructor II 9/30/14
- Fire Officer II 04/24/15
- Intermediate Fire Inspector 05/28/15
- Traffic Incident Responders 09/10/15
- Basic Fire investigator 11/23/15
- Hazardous Material I.C. 2/10/16
- Court Security Certification 10/11/2018
- Advanced Fire Investigator 5/14/2019
- Advanced Fire Inspector 5/14/2019
- Advanced Structure Firefighter 5/14/2019
- Emergency Care Attendant 5/24/1985
- Licensed Electrician
- Courage to Be Safe 5/4/12
- Basic Fire Fighter 10/31/13
- Instructor I 6/6/14
- Fire Officer I 03/11/15
- Intermediate Structure Firefighter 05/28/15
- Head of Department 06/11/15
- Incident Safety Officer 10/06/15
- Intermediate Fire Investigator 12/3/15 2
- Peace Officer 4/4/2017
- Basic Peace Officer 11/14/2018
- Intermediate Peace Officer 4/28/2021
- Advanced Arson Investigator 5/23/2019
- NIMS 100,200,300,400,700,800
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
- As a Texas Peace Officer, I have completed 1488 Hours of training, of which 160 hours was in a field officer training program with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office.
Community Involvement
- Serving as a Deputy with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office (non-paid) from 2017 till December 31, 2020 and completed an extensive field training officer program and worked on the streets as a patrol deputy.
- Serving as a volunteer fire fighter since February 1979.
- Coached Little League Baseball for 12 years taking several teams to championship – 1980-1992.
- Served as President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Assistant Fire Chief from 1989-2008.
- Served as a Director for the Texas Hereford Association from 2006-2011
- Serving as Volunteer Fire Chief since January 2009.
- Serving as Fire Marshall (non- compensating position) for Gonzales County since 12/13/2010.
- Serving as Selective Services Board Member for Gonzales County since January 2011.
- Serving as Adjunct instructor for Fire in Texas since 2015.
- Serving the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s Fire Fighter Advisory Board since 4/28/2016.
- Serving as Secretary-Treasurer for Gonzales County Emergency Services District No. 2 since 2/9/2021.
Follow Sheriff Schmidt On Facebook!
Thank you to every one that voted for me. I am truly humbled by your vote of confidence, and I promise to continue working hard as your Sheriff. As your Sheriff, we will continue to provide the best quality law enforcement services to our constituents in a professional, transparent and ethical manner. Rest assured, my staff and I are dedicated to this role with the utmost honor, integrity, and respect. It is a privilege to do so, and we look forward to working together to provide you with exemplary public service.
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
Don't Forget to Vote Today‼
VOTE Keith A Schmidt for Gonzales County Sheriff
VOTE Keith A Schmidt for Gonzales County Sheriff
VOTE Keith A Schmidt for Gonzales County Sheriff
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Best wishes
Had a fantastic conversation with Wade and Carter today in Victoria‼️ We tackled some important issues facing our county and state.
📻 Wade & Carter Live
🕖 Mornings from 7 AM to 8 AM on FB & Majic 95.9 – Victoria’s Most Trusted Names‼️
Rewatch it here👇
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Sheriff, it was great to have you on the program this morning! Your spirit of service is contagious and we wish you continued success in Gonzales County!!
I am seeking your support in my bid for re-election as Gonzales County Sheriff. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gonzales County since 2021.
I take pride in the accomplishments we have achieved over the past three years, and I remain committed to enhancing the safety and security of our community. The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office continues to collaborate closely with all law enforcement agencies in the county, as well as our state and federal partners, to pursue justice for crimes committed within our jurisdiction. We have established a strong relationship with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and we have set up an office within the Sheriff’s Office for their agents, allowing them to better serve Gonzales County and support criminal investigations.
Gonzales County has joined Operation Lone Star to provide support during the ever-evolving border crisis. My office has engaged with the Office of the Governor and our Congressmen to ensure that the needs of Gonzales County citizens are met. Additionally, I have collaborated with the Commissioners Court to join the Sheriffs Combined Auto Theft Taskforce, assigning an agent to our county to combat auto-related thefts.
School safety remains one of my top priorities. I have worked with every school in Gonzales County to ensure that our children can attend school without fear. This year, I hosted two school safety events where all school districts and area first responders collaborated to share new ideas and initiatives, keeping this critical issue at the forefront. Several staff members and I have been trained as CRAISE instructors to provide active shooter training to civilians within the county. Furthermore, I am in the process of establishing a Gonzales County Active Threat Committee to proactively plan for potential threats, involving all first responders.
My leadership team is focused on recruiting and retaining the best-qualified personnel in jail, dispatch, and patrol to meet and exceed the needs of our citizens. In today’s challenging environment, attracting and keeping top talent is a significant struggle. Every agency in the state faces recruitment and retention challenges. I will continue to work with the Commissioners Court to explore innovative solutions to this dilemma.
I was honored to participate in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Sheriffs Institute Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where I received invaluable training in developing an executive team, maintaining professional ethics, fostering community trust, leading my agency through crises, managing conflicts, and effective communication. I also learned about decision-making, addressing biases, leading through change, and building external partnerships. I was privileged to graduate on May 10, 2024, among twenty-eight sheriffs from across the country as part of the 122nd graduating class.
I look forward to continuing to serve you, our community, and all of Gonzales County, and I humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sheriff Keith Schmidt
*****
Early Voting
Oct. 21 – Nov. 1st 2024
Election Day
November 5, 2024
*****
www.co.gonzales.tx.us/page/gonzales.Elections.Admin
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Keep up the great work Sheriff Schmidt!
Keep up the good work sir! You know you have my vote!
I saw a quote were "Mother's hold their children's hands for a while, but their hearts forever" and today I am living that quote, as I lost my mother last night. She was the hardest working, kindest soul you could ever meet, and I am so proud, to be able to call her Mom, and I will miss her everyday.
41 CommentsComment on Facebook
So sorry. She was a sweet lady. Prayers and hugs
Prayers and Condolences for Family during this time of Grieving 🙏
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers for comfort and peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Re-Election Announcement
It is with great excitement that I, Keith Schmidt, announce my intention to run for re-election as your Gonzales County Sheriff. It has been my honor to serve the great people of Gonzales County as your Sheriff since 2021.
I am proud of the work we have done, especially during the difficult days of COVID-19. I have maintained a high standard of integrity which I believe is essential in the criminal justice field. Our leadership team is focused on our jail operations, and is doing all we can to make Gonzales County safer for everyone. Of the many issues facing law enforcement today, maintaining public trust is our top objective.
I am honored to have strong support from those who know my work ethic and commitment to serve. The result is a stable Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office where the culture and mindset is focused on our community’s safety and security. I will work hard to keep Gonzales County safe, by making public safety my number one priority to earn your trust and confidence.
My team and I have more goals to accomplish in preparing the Sheriff’s Office to meet the evolving needs and challenges that Gonzales County will face in the future. I will continue to work with local, state and federal partners, and together we will meet the county’s needs and reach our goal of an exemplary law enforcement agency.
I look forward to continuing to serve you, our community and all of Gonzales County and humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sheriff Keith A. Schmidt
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Your doing a great job sheriff Keith Schmidt you definitely have my vote !
Nice job!!!
Enjoyed getting to see some neighboring Sheriffs tonight as we attended Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman’s Re-Election Fund Raiser.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
If you support him, we in Brazoria County sure hope you don't win. Worst Sheriff's Office yet. The people in Brazoria County deserve a whole lot better.
You support this guy? Can't imagine
On Wednesday, January 18th and Thursday, January 19th, the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office hosted a multi-agency criminal interdiction operation. This operation consisted of local agencies and members of the Operation Lone Star Task Force. The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office joined the task force during the month of August, 2022.
During this operation, agencies utilized marked and unmarked police units to conduct criminal interdiction activities in various areas of Gonzales County. Officers focused on narcotic activity as well as human smuggling. The areas included Gonzales, Harwood, Smiley, Nixon, Waelder and unincorporated areas of the county.
The Task Force is for participating agencies to assist each other and provide man power, investigative resources and patrol units for combating illegal activities. Due to the sensitive nature of the Task Force operations, the public is not notified prior to an operation beginning. Many hours were put in to make this operation run as smooth as possible.
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