Proven Leadership. Trusted Service. A Safer Union County.
With over 20 years in law enforcement, Rick Carter is committed to protecting your families, supporting deputies, and serving Union County with integrity and transparency.
Meet Rick Carter
Election Day Countdown
Meet the Candidate
“Service is not just a job. It is a responsibility to EVERY family in this county.”
Rick Carter has dedicated his career to protecting the people of Union County and upholding the values that keep our community strong. With over 20 years in law enforcement, including extensive leadership in corrections, patrol, and public safety operations, Rick Carter brings proven experience to the role of Sheriff.
Throughout his career, Rick Carter has earned a reputation for steady leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to accountability. Managing complex challenges, supporting fellow officers, and ensuring professional standards have not just been responsibilities, but guiding principles.
Proud to call Union County home, Rick Carter understands the importance of community trust. The relationships built with residents, local organizations, and public servants have shaped a leadership approach grounded in respect, transparency, and service.
The decision to run for Sheriff comes from a clear belief: our community deserves experienced leadership focused on safety, professionalism, and public confidence. Rick Carter is ready to serve with integrity and provide the steady direction Union County expects and deserves.
Proven Experience. Prepared to Lead.
Decades of law enforcement service, proven leadership in corrections, and the operational experience required to keep Union County safe. Trusted with the oversight, safety, and professional operation of detention environments, bringing the experience necessary to ensure accountability, strong supervision, and modern standards.
“Leadership is not learned in theory. It is earned through service.”
2021 — Present
Detective, Union County Sheriff's Office
As a detective, Rick Carter played a key role in bringing multiple high-profile investigations to a successful close, working tirelessly to uncover the truth and deliver justice for victims and their families. He approaches this work as a calling rather than simply a job, dedicating long hours and unwavering focus to protecting the community and ensuring that those harmed receive the closure they deserve.
2019 — 2021
Sergeant, Union County Sheriff's Office
As a Patrol Sergeant, Rick Carter coordinated closely with multiple law enforcement agencies while leading sheriff’s deputies in day to day patrol operations and training initiatives. His role required steady decision making, clear communication, and the ability to guide officers through complex situations while maintaining the professionalism and standards expected by the community.
2009 — 2019
Lieutenant, Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Rick Carter rose through the ranks as a correctional officer, building a reputation for disciplined leadership, operational accountability, and strict compliance with correctional standards. His experience supervising inmate populations and mentoring new officers shaped a leadership approach focused on safety, professionalism, and respect for every individual in custody. This background gives him a clear understanding of the full justice system from arrest to incarceration and the responsibility required to manage detention operations with integrity and compassion.
Commitment to Safety.
Leadership You Can Trust.
The Office of Sheriff demands more than enforcement. It requires leadership, accountability, and the trust of the people it serves. My commitment to Union County is grounded in proven experience and focused on four core priorities that protect our community and strengthen public confidence.
Professional Corrections And Jail Oversight
Safe and professionally managed detention facilities are essential to public safety and community confidence. With extensive experience in corrections leadership, I am committed to ensuring our jail operates with the highest standards of security, supervision, and accountability.
- Experienced corrections leadership
- Strong staff training and supervision
- Modern operational standards
- Inmate and staff safety
- Clear oversight practices
Transparent Leadership And Public Accountability
Strong public trust comes from honest communication, clear standards, and leadership that remains accountable to the community. I am committed to building confidence through consistency, transparency, and results.
- Open communication with residents
- Clear accountability standards
- Reliable operational leadership
- Professional public service
- Trust built through action
Support For Deputies And Staff Excellence
A strong sheriff’s office depends on a strong team. I am committed to supporting deputies and staff with professional expectations, practical leadership, and the resources needed to serve the county well.
- Professional team culture
- Better training support
- Operational consistency
- Respect for staff service
- High-performance standards
A Safer Union County Through Proven Experience
The Office of Sheriff requires more than enforcement. It requires judgment, leadership, and experience. My priorities are focused on strengthening safety, confidence, and service throughout Union County.
- Experience-driven leadership
- Community-centered priorities
- Professional law enforcement standards
- Long-term public safety focus
- Confidence through proven service
Trusted by Those Who Serve Our Community
Greg Dyer
5th District Union County Commissioner
"Rick Carter is a proven leader with the experience, integrity, and judgment required to serve as Sheriff of Union County Tennessee. Our community will be safer under his leadership."
Frequently Asked Questions
Rick Carter is running to bring experienced, steady leadership to Union County, focused on accountability, professionalism, and public safety. With over 20 years in law enforcement, he is committed to building trust and transparency.
His priorities include strengthening public safety, improving accountability, supporting deputies and staff, and building stronger trust between law enforcement and the community.
Rick Carter wants to ensure deputies and staff have the leadership, respect, resources, and operational support they need to serve Union County effectively and professionally.
With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Rick Carter brings practical leadership, a commitment to service, and a strong focus on integrity and accountability.
He plans to emphasize transparency, stronger supervision, better processes, and clear accountability to make sure jail operations are safe, professional, and well managed.
By leading with transparency, professionalism, and accountability, Rick Carter aims to rebuild confidence and create stronger relationships between law enforcement and the people of Union County.