Mark Garton Sworn in as the Polk County Sheriff

On November 30th, 2015 at 10 a.m., Sheriff Mark Garton was sworn in as the 37th Polk County Sheriff.  Judge Sally Avera presided over the ceremony, which was held in the Polk County Courthouse.   Garton was appointed by the Polk County Board of Commissioners with a unanimous vote to replace retiring Sheriff Bob Wolfe. 

“I am honored to be your Sheriff and I will work tireless towards restoring this office to the highest level it can achieve,” Garton said.   

Garton is very familiar with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as he has worked there for the past 18 years.  Garton worked his way through the Sheriff’s Office holding several positions which give him a very intimate and unique understanding and knowledge of the Polk County Public Safety System.   Garton’s previous positions include, cadet, reserve, Records Technician, Corrections Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Detective, Patrol Sergeant and Detective Sergeant.

Garton has also been officially endorsed by Wolfe. 

“It’s been an honor to have worked for Sheriff Wolfe for the last 16 years and I am very grateful to have received his endorsement for the upcoming election,” said Garton.

Garton currently holds advanced and supervisory certificates from the Department Public Safety Standards and Training in both Police and Corrections. 

“My door is always open to anyone and I look forward to working for the people of this County in ways that enable this office to provide a level of customer service for the public in a way they deserve,” Garton said.

Garton has lived in Polk County his entire life.  He and his wife, Stefanie, have two children.  The family’s children attend schools in the Dallas School District. Stefanie works for First American Title.