Mark Lamb

What is your current position?

I am currently the elected Sheriff of Pinal County Arizona.  I took office in January 2017.

What inspired you to choose this career path?

I never thought about being in Law Enforcement or a “Cop”, not even as a child.  I was 33 years old, owning and operating my own business, which is what I had done the majority of my adult life, when a friend/neighbor asked me if I wanted to do a ride along.  I didn’t have any excuses to not got so I agreed.  It was a graveyard shift on an Indian Reservation.  We responded to a few calls that changed the trajectory of my life.  I came home that morning and told my wife, “I’m going to be a Cop.”  Just six months later, at the age of 34, I was in the academy, the beginning of my career in Law Enforcement.

In 2011, not being content with the direction of the country and recognizing the need for better “leadership in law enforcement, I made the decision to run for Sheriff.  I made the decision to leave the Salt River Police Department and became a Deputy at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. In 2014 I left so I could prepare to run for Sheriff.  I went back to owning my own businesses.  In 2016 I ran for Sheriff and won.

My inspiration for both being in Law Enforcement and running for office, has always been my deep love for God, Family, and Freedom.  I love America, the Constitution, and appreciate the sacrifices of the Founding Fathers.

How did you hear about the Claremont Institute?

I became aware of the Claremont Institute after they reached out to me, inviting me to be part of a Sheriffs’ Fellowship.

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

While I thoroughly enjoyed spending the week with like-minded, fellow freedom loving Patriot Sheriffs, I would say my fondest memory was just the outstanding books and knowledge I left with for the Constitution, America, freedom, and current affairs.

You were a member of the inaugural year of the Claremont Institute Sheriffs’ Fellowship. What do you think will make this fellowship unique and relevant in the years to come?

I think continuing to provide Sheriffs the opportunity to be educated by passionate and knowledgeable men and women who teach about the Constitution, combined with the current state of affairs and how to navigate the current challenges to our Republic and world, will be what keeps the Sheriff Fellowship unique and relevant.

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?

George Washington.  I admired his courage, determination, and commitment to freedom.  I also admired how he was a man amongst men, and how he commanded the respect of everyone who was in his presence.  I would ask General Washington how he knew it was time to say enough is enough to England and the King.  I would also want to discuss courageous leadership with him.

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

I would want to hold the Constitution because I believe it to be a God given document.

What qualities do you believe are necessary for effective leadership?

Courage and a strong moral compass.

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

A crisis of courage and a broken moral compass.  We have strayed from God and righteousness.

What do you believe has led to our established culture redefining itself in the 21^st Century?

Our distancing from God and righteousness.  The undermining of the family unity and the rule of law has been a major issue for our culture and Republic.  I also believe the efforts to change our history and failure to educate our children has been what has redefined our culture.

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

Other than the Book of Mormon and the Bible, I would say As a Man Thinketh by James Allen.

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

“Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought.  In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep: wake Him.  Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.  Say unto your heart, Peace, be still!”

Excerpt from As a Man Thinketh written by James Allen.

I love this quote because it encompasses so much in one paragraph of how to meet life, overcome challenges, and how to live life.

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

I admire their love of freedom and country.

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

Undermining of the rule of law, the border crisis (human and drug trafficking), and mental health.

What do you believe can be done to secure and prioritize the crisis continuing to unfold at our Southern border?

We should immediately return to the Trump era border policies.  We should finish the wall, increase technology, increase Border Patrol/ICE/CBP staffing, and hold people accountable for breaking our laws.  We must also shout from the rooftops the atrocities that the open borders bring, which include the abuse, mistreatment, and enslaving of men, women, and children, and the poisoning of American lives by fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.  Our failure to secure our borders and our silence on these matters makes us accomplices in this evil behavior.

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

My belief in God and understanding that this is all part of life, and it is all meant to make us stronger and bring us closer to God.

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

The rule of law is what makes America strong and great.

The Claremont Institute respectfully presents the American Sheriff Award

To Sheriff Mark Lamb

For his steadfast defense of the Constitution, its blessings of liberty, and the American way of life.

November 2022