On Monday, October 15, 2012, the DPALC hosted the Dallas County Sheriff Candidate Forum featuring Lupe Valdez & Kurt Launius.
Click here to see photos from the event.
Lupe Valdez
Lupe Valdez was elected Sheriff of Dallas County in November, 2004, and took office January, 2005.  She  is the first female elected Sheriff  in the state of Texas.  Sheriff Valdez has been in Law Enforcement for over 30 years in both the Federal and State levels.
Sheriff Valdez earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Nazarene University, putting herself through college by carrying  up to two jobs while working a full class schedule. – work habits that propelled her into a career in law enforcement.
Lupe Valdez’ commitment to public service continued during her service as a board member of the City of Dallas Civil Service Adjunct Board, the Funding Panel Review of the United Way of Greater Dallas, a mentor in the DISD’s Big Brothers and Sisters Program, and the Women’s Business Network.  She is a member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement Association and Texas Narcotics  Officer’s Association.
Sheriff Valdez has received numerous awards such as the Women’s Leadership Exchange – Compass Award, Women  Changing America Award, Women in Diversity,  Texas NAACP award, 2005 Hispanic Leaders of America.
Kirk Launius
Kirk Launius is a proud  native of Dallas County and, except for time spent overseas while  serving in the Navy, has called Dallas home his entire life.   Kirk graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in economics and a minor in pre-med.
Kirk was accepted to the Baylor College of Medicine, but chose to pursue a life of Public Service.  He graduated from the Dallas Citizens’ Police Academy, became of member of the DPD Crime Watch Executive Board, and worked as a 911 telecomunications Specialist/Dispatcher.  Following this experience, Kirk Launius was an honors graduate of the Dallas Police Academy and became a full-time Dallas Police Officer, working as a patrol officer in the South East Patrol Division.  Kirk’s work with the DPD has earned him numerous commendations.
Kirk also joined the United States Navy and served in the reserves  for 10 years as an information  specialist, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
Kirk Launius is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Vulnerabity Assessment and Resolution, Inc.  He has played key roles in the growth of Excel Telecommunications and Flashnet.  He is a member of Oath Keepers, an organization dedicated to the support and defense of the U.S. Constitution, and a member of the Constitutional Sheriff’s society.  He serves on the Korean Mission Team and teaches ESL through his membership in the Global Harvest Church  in Carrollton.