Scott Hamilton’s Response to Recent Comments Made On Social Media and Radio Interviews by Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis
The following is a statement released by Scott Hamilton on his Facebook Page in response to Sheriff Mike Lewis's social media and radio comments.
"I have the utmost respect for the men and women who serve in the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office and for all members of law enforcement in this county. For more than two decades, I have worked alongside these deputies-first as a member of the Sheriff's Office, and today as the elected President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 111.
I know firsthand the professionalism, integrity, and dedication they bring to their jobs every single day.
Considering that Sheriff Mike Lewis has not been a member of the organization for more than two decades and does not have firsthand knowledge of the bylaws that govern it. I was deeply disappointed to see him publicly question the integrity not only of me, but also of many of the deputies who make up his department.
These deputies are professionals. They put their safety on the line every day to serve the citizens of Wicomico County. To suggest they are part of some conspiracy, or that they lack integrity because of a vote, is unfair and disrespectful to the very people who make the Sheriff's Office function.
Law enforcement leadership carries a responsibility to support and uplift the rank and file-not to publicly berate them or question their character when a decision does not go the way they had wanted. I firmly believe the investigation will confirm that the endorsement process within the FOP was conducted in accordance with the organization's internal procedures and bylaws.
I was not present for the vote, but I have the utmost confidence in the current elected board members and in their ability to follow those bylaws.
Reasonable people can disagree about outcomes. But publicly attacking the integrity of deputies on social media and on the radio simply because they exercised their voice is not the kind of leadership this agency deserves.
The reality is simple: when leaders disagree with their team, the proper response is to talk with them, listen to them, and work through concerns together-not to take to Facebook and the airwaves to question their character.
This moment highlights an important difference in leadership philosophy. I believe leadership means earning the trust of the rank and file, standing up for them, and ensuring their voices are respected-even when those voices may not align with your own.
The men and women of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office deserve a Sheriff who supports them, values their integrity, and leads with professionalism."
