BEAUMONT, Texas — Father-son duo Chuck Havard and his son Colton Havard both triumphed in their separate races for sheriff in Jasper and Newton Counties.
12News had the chance to speak with the pair about their journey and decision to take the next step in their careers.
"Obviously, I was more proud of him, than I was myself cause we want better for our kids," said Jasper County sheriff elect Chuck Havard.
Chuck Havard's career in law enforcement started back in 1998 when he was hired as a Department of Public Safety state trooper. He worked with the department for 25 years and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2016.
This inspired and left a huge impact on his son Colton.
"So, obviously my dad being a police officer I was interested in a career in law enforcement," said Newton County sheriff elect Colton Havard. "When I turned 18 years old I done a ride along, after the first traffic stop I was hooked."
Colton started his career working at the Jasper County jails before working with the Orange County and Newton County Constable's Office.
The duo decided that they were ready for a new adventure and put their eyes on sheriff positions.
"Jasper is where I'm from, that community is important to me," said Chuck. "I felt like I have a lot of experience and skills to do that job."
"I've got experience in corrections, patrol, and investigations and also being the Constable," said Colton. "I have a lot of knowledge on the civil process side, tying it all together that's what a sheriff does."
With their signs in hand, they hit the ground running in their respective election races. They were shocked, but grateful when the public voted them winners.
"It's really a great feeling, and we owe a lot of gratitude to the citizens of Jasper and Newton county for giving us a shot," said Chuck.
"It's a very humbling feeling to know that, that amount of people has placed their confidence in you to be their next sheriff of their county," said Colton.
The pair are both excited to start their new roles in January of next year.
They hope to keep the father-son tradition going for a long time to come.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.