JOEY ELLIOTT is a candidate for sheriff of Tyrrell County on the Democratic ticket. He was a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections for 12 years, during which time he became a general instructor and disciplinary hearing officer. In 2001, he was promoted to a probation/parole officer in Tyrrell County where he served for another 12 years, receiving specialties in instruction for firearms, unarmed self-defense, hope and perseverance, among numerous certifications. He was promoted to full-time instructor in 2013, teaching in-service and basic training to both correctional officers and probation/parole officers. He retired in late 2017. The primary election is set for May 8.