ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Gary Parris, a Buncombe County native and longtime military and criminal justice professional, has filed to run for Buncombe County sheriff.

Parris began his career with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office before joining the U.S. Navy, where he served 22 years in cryptology and naval intelligence, including multiple deployments to the Gulf. He retired as a senior chief and later worked in criminal justice and corrections, eventually serving as a captain at a level-five maximum security prison.

“I grew up here. This county shaped me,” Parris said in a statement. “After a full career in the Navy and many years in criminal justice, I want to put my experience to work to help make Buncombe County safe for families.”

His campaign manager, retired Henderson County Sheriff George Erwin, said Parris’ top priority would be public safety.

“Gary will support the men and women who serve with him and work to rebuild trust, strengthen cooperation and make sure every partner in public safety is pulling in the same direction,” Erwin said.

He added that Parris’ training and experience “will make him a strong and effective sheriff” and that Parris intends to remain accessible to the community.

Parris graduated from Montreat-Anderson College, where he played basketball on scholarship. He later earned a master’s degree in strategic intelligence while on active duty and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in criminal justice.

Parris was raised in the French Broad community in Alexander and graduated from North Buncombe High School. He and his wife, Sandy, have been married 49 years and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. All three of their sons have served or are currently serving in the military. Parris is also an ordained deacon at Turkey Creek Baptist Church.