CLAREMORE - The Claremore Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has voted to endorse Scott and his campaign.

The news was released Friday in a release from FOP President Dusty Singer and a letter was delivered to Scott, telling him of the vote and the endorsement. 

An endorsement  by the Fraternal Order of Police is a highly coveted endorsement for anyone aspiring to an elected office, especially that of Sheriff.  The FOP is a representative group of law enforcement and, as an organization, can speak on behalf of the rank and file police officers of the area it represents. In this case, the FOP represents primarily the officers of the Claremore Police Department.  

“This is a big deal. This is a major endorsement and I am very proud that the F.O.P.  is supporting me in this campaign,” Walton said.  “As a policeman, this endorsement is personally meaningful because the members of an FOP are members of a law enforcement family and, as such, are my peers.  But, as a candidate for the sheriff's seat, there's little that can compare to the police officers of a community coming together and supporting me in this election,” he said. “It's humbling.  It's very humbling” Walton added.

The Claremore FOP Lodge issued its endorsement after inviting each candidate to lodge meetings and listening to presentations made by the candidates. After deliberating the qualities of each candidate the membership of the lodge voted to endorse Scott Walton. 

In a written statement issued by the FOP,  lodge president Dusty Singer said: “With the endorsement by the Claremore Fraternal Order of Police voters can be assured that Scott Walton's qualifications have been vetted by law enforcement and can cast their vote confidently for him when selecting a candidate for Rogers County Sheriff.”

In a letter issued to Walton from the FOP, the lodge wote, “It is our belief that you [Walton] best represent the needs of the public safety community in Rogers County and that you embody the character, experience, and professionalism needed to lead the Rogers County Sheriff's Office.