Clinton Walters

Sheriff Clinton “C.J.” Walters started his career in law enforcement in 1999 when he enlisted in the Municipal Police Academy. Sheriff Walters is currently in his 26^th year of law enforcement with 24 ½ years serving in the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Walters has been the elected Bradford County, PA Sheriff since February 2010. Besides serving in this Sheriff’s Office, he has served as a police officer for two municipalities in the county. Sheriff Walters is currently on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, has recently been appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania to serve on the Sheriff & Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board, and serves as a Board of Director for the Leroy Sportsman’s Association. Sheriff Walters is a Firearms Instructor at the Sheriff & Deputy Sheriff Academy, an Instructor for PA ACT 235 Lethal Weapons Training, and a Commonwealth of PA Firearms Instructor. In 2016, Sheriff Walters was recognized by the NRA and Henry Arms as the Law Enforcement Officer of the state. Sheriff Walters is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Victory Church, a Life Member of the NRA, and a Kentucky Colonel. Sheriff Walters enjoys teaching, shooting, family vacations, and spending time with his family. Sheriff Walters resides in his hometown with his wife Rebecca and three children.

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What is your current position?

I am the elected Sheriff of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, serving in this position since 2010.

What inspired you to choose this career path?

Cliché, since I was 6 years old, I wanted to be a farmer or a police officer. The farmer industry had died off in our area as I was growing up. I attended college after high school then went into the Police Academy. While in the academy, the Sheriff’s Office was hiring a civilian position, so I put in for it and was hired. After graduation from the academy a Deputy Sheriff position opened, and I was promoted to Deputy Sheriff. I have worked as a police officer as well, and I just enjoyed the Sheriff’s Office so much more with county wide jurisdiction. So I have stayed on the path for 24 years.

How did you hear about the Claremont Institute?

I heard about Claremont through an email from the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, did a little research and was like, “wow” this aligns with me.

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

This is a tough one, I had so many. It was an awesome experience. I felt like the red carpet was laid out for us. The sessions were excellent. The networking would have to be number one, with Claremont staff and fellow Sheriffs continuing to this day.

What do you believe will make the Sheriffs’ Fellowship unique and relevant in the years to come?

I feel a better understanding of the founding of our country, to the progressive movement and deep state. It makes me realize to a greater depth what is currently happening in our culture, and how I can align my beliefs to not get dragged into falsehoods of America and government.

If you could have a sit-down conversation with one of this nation’s Founding Fathers, who would it be and what are a few of the timeless concerns you would discuss?

It would have to be George Washington. I would discuss his faith and belief in the country and how we are so separated from it today. President Washington was so godly, and in the many things he did he always mentioned God. I would like to know what his vision thought this country would look like after he left office and where we are today.

What would the artifact be, if you could hold one piece of history from the early founding of our country and why?

The Declaration of Independence. I would love to see the handwriting and the fact that John Hancock wrote his name so big that clearly the King could see this separation happening.

What do the words “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” mean to you?

To live a free life in America, taking care of your own, and having self-rewards because of the sacrifices and investments you have made for yourself and your family.

What qualities do you believe are necessary for effective leadership?

I feel that you must be honest and loyal to those that you serve and work for you.  Also, transparent and dedicated to your job and family. You must have the integrity to do the right thing all the time.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge currently facing the United States?

The inflation and illegal immigration. The cost of living has gone up so much, and people are struggling to survive. Groceries are eating up the working person’s paycheck. Illegal immigrants have taken so much of American soil and are not the contributors back to society as they bring drugs, human trafficking, and violence to America’s towns.

What book, speech, or movie has left a lasting impression on you and why?

My favorite movie of all time is Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. So much comes out of this movie: Believing in what you’re doing, relying on your faith to do it, and working hard to see the end results.

Do you have a favorite quote?  Why does it resonate with you?

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

It resonates with me because what you do matters and how you do it matters.  In the professional world you need to know your job, dress for your job, and speak accordingly to those that need to hear you. Shined boots show from a long distance, and it tells people you care, and you take pride in yourself and what you do.

Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”

So true in our lives today. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen and you will prosper.

What is the most distinctive attribute/character of the people in Pennsylvania’s Bradford County you genuinely admire?

Looking after one another. Our county is small in population, however when someone is in need the community pulls together to support them and help them overcome the storm they are in.

What do you believe are the top three law enforcement issues currently facing America?

1. Respect.  There is such a lack of respect, due in part because of mainstream media’s spin on everything, and then parents do not raise their children to respect and teach that law enforcement is there for them.
2. Recruitment and Retention. This is a problem in every aspect of law enforcement because there is no driving force to get in it and have a great job. People are in fear of retaliation. If they don’t do something exactly textbook, the media will scrutinize them.
3. Funding. The availability for grants to assist law enforcement agencies has been cut drastically and makes it difficult to do more with less.

At the end of a stressful day what brings you peace of mind?

Knowing my Deputies and I are home safe with our families. I love my family and enjoy seeing them when I get home at the end of my shift.

What would it be, if you could communicate one thing to politicians and Americans alike about the importance of policing?

We need their support for us to do our jobs. Don’t get in the way of law enforcement’s duties or actions, don’t make comments on an arrest or situation. Wait to hear the facts of the whole story. Also, along with this comes needed financial support to equip and train our staff.