Clarkson Police Chief Buck Meredith has made an announcement not wholly unanticipated.
Meredith, on Wednesday afternoon, announced on his personal Facebook page that he is running for Grayson County sheriff in 2026.
“After spending a lot of time praying, asking for a clear answer from our Heavenly Father, having many conversations with my wife, my family and other confidants, I have decided to seek the office of Grayson County Sheriff in the 2026 primary election,” Meredith said.
Current Sheriff Norman Chaffins announced a few weeks ago that he would not seek a fourth term.
“My dedication has been and will continue to be focused primarily on the betterment of Grayson County and the communities within,” Meredith said at the time. “Although it’s a little too early to disclose every detail, I can assure you that I am working and concentrating on the biggest move yet of my law enforcement career.”
“I have come to a place where I feel change is inevitable for growth,” he continued, “(and) stepping down as police chief will give me more time to set things in motion; ‘the calm before the storm.’”
The following is the 45-year-old Meredith’s entire social media announcement that he will seek the office of Grayson Co. sheriff in 2026:
Dwight Eisenhower once said, “The job of getting people really wanting to do something is the essence of leadership, and one of the things a leader needs occasionally is the inspiration he gets from the people he leads.”
I must say, Ike was a very intelligent man, because that Is one of the most accurate statements ever made! A true leader must stay true to what he thinks is best, but he should never disregard the thoughts and concerns of the people he commands, or the people he may govern.
Looking back at all the sacrifices, long nights spent away from my family and missed personal life events, I can still say that I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to wear a law enforcement officer’s badge for the past 17 years. Being able to serve the community and county to which I was born and raised has been a true honor, and one that I have never taken lightly.
When I began this journey, my wife Carla agreed to stand hand in hand with me during this endeavor and she has certainly held to that promise. She witnessed the pride I showed on the day I graduated from the police academy, she’s heard people compliment me on cases that I’ve worked and problems that I have solved within our community and she’s seen my encouragement and dedication to finding justice for the people I have served. On the other side of that, she has also watched as I became flustered while dealing with unreconcilable circumstances and had to see me grieve and have sleepless nights while working diligently on tragic, sometimes unimaginable cases.
Wearing a badge must certainly come with an expiration date. I’m convinced, like most other professions, when that time comes, the person wearing it will know that time has arrived. As for me, that time is nowhere in the near future. I still strive to learn the ever-changing challenges of law enforcement and I have a desire to lead, standing right beside those who serve with me!
After spending a lot of time praying, asking for a clear answer from our Heavenly Father, having many conversations with my wife, my family and other confidants, I have decided to seek the office of Grayson County Sheriff in the 2026 primary election!!
This decision comes as a result of a lot of discussion and planning. I promise, I will always work my very hardest as your sheriff and I will be honest, committed and connected. My honesty will come from being upfront with the people of this county and I will never hide anything internally or anything that refers to a case the office is working. I will be committed to helping people with their problems, no matter if it’s an issue involving their everyday life or if it’s a police issue. I will also be a sheriff that is connected to the communities within our county. I will personally know the people my office works for.
As your next sheriff, I may not ever be able to predict the future, but I can promise you now that I will work my absolute hardest for every person in Grayson County. There will not be one person in my office that will contribute the number of hours that I will. I will stand shoulder to shoulder in the trenches with all of my deputies, office staff, court security officers and school resource officers, every day!
As I close this statement, I want to take this opportunity to ask Grayson County for your support as your next sheriff. In the upcoming months, I will fight with every ounce of my heart and soul to win your support, your confidence in me and your vote!!
Thank You,
Buck Meredith
(Photo — The Meredith family l-r: Family dog Trump, son Owen, Buck Meredith, daughter Alayah, and wife Carla, courtesy of Buck Meredith social media)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
