Brown County Commissioners will meet Monday, September 28 to consider appointment of someone to fill the vacancy of Brown County Sheriff since the death of Sheriff Bobby Grubbs on September 3, 2015.
A few candidates have officially announced their bids for the office of Brown County Sheriff in next year’s election, which include Brownwood native Billy Bloom who currently serves as a Tom Green County Sheriff’s investigator and Bailiff for State District Court, Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Vance Hill, and Howard Payne Department of Public Safety Chief Paul Lilly. These candidates as well as others, including BCSO Chief Deputy Bobby Duvall, BSCO Sergeant James Stroope, BCSO Deputy Valton Posey, Former Brown County Sheriff Glen Smith, and Precinct 4 Constable Jim Byars have been considered by commissioners to fill the position of Brown County Sheriff, according to County Judge Ray West.
During the September 14th meeting of commissioners court, West stated that he felt it was unfair to appoint anyone who was considering running for office because the appointment could be seen as an endorsement by the commissioners’ court and could help or hurt a candidate’s chances of being elected.
During the upcoming meeting on September 28, 2015, the court will meet in executive session to discuss the appointment of a person to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Grubbs and will consider possible appointment in open session.Grubbs suffered a major stroke on Monday, August 31 and passed away with family and friends by his side just days later. Bobby Grubbs took office on January 1, 2005 and had served as sheriff through most of three terms. Prior to being elected as sheriff, Bobby was a Texas Ranger and had been with the Texas Department of Public Safety for 34 years.
A public hearing was held on September 14th to clear up rumors that the commissioner’s court had already decided to appoint someone to the position. A packed courtroom, filled with members of the public, law enforcement officers and concerned citizens as well as family of the late sheriff were present to voice their opinions and concerns.
