The Washita County Sheriff’s Department in Cordell is excited to introduce three new team members, each of whom has joined under Sheriff Kevin Rozell’s leadership. Each brings a unique background and a shared commitment to serving the community.
Cherrie Brown is a Cordell native, having moved to the area as a senior in high school to live with her grandparents. She has deep roots in the community, with family ties that go back generations. Cherrie’s career began in healthcare, where she worked at Cordell Memorial Hospital before becoming a Surgical Assistant and Office Manager at a surgery clinic in Elk City for 25 years. After a successful stint running a medical billing company in Dallas, Cherrie returned to Cordell and joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2012. Now serving as the Jail Administrator, Cherrie oversees day-to-day operations, ensures compliance with state standards of County Detention Facilities, and is trained appropriately to maintain the security and safety of all within the facility. She emphasizes the importance of community understanding, stating, “I’m not sure my position has much contact or impact on the community other than assuring them that if any family members or they find themselves being residents in our facility, I will assure them [that] they will be taken care of to the best of my ability. I want people to know that we are here to help, not just to detain their loved ones.” Cherrie is particularly proud of the comradery amongst the employees of the different agencies within the community and how well they all work together to ensure the safety of the citizens in this county.
Rusty Cannon’s journey into law enforcement began shortly after high school, inspired by a local officer who mentored him. With nearly 40 years of experience, Rusty has worked in various capacities, ranging from patrolman to assistant chief of police. His extensive career includes roles at both small and large departments, such as serving as a DARE officer and participating in the GANG unit at the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department. As the Undersheriff, Rusty focuses on maintaining positive community relations through community policing and open communication. His philosophy centers on trust, honesty, and being responsive to public concerns. “I hope to maintain and keep an open-door policy,” he explains, acknowledging the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Russell Stewart brings 23 years of dedication and experience to the Washita County Sheriff’s Department. He started as a reserve deputy in 2002 and, in 2005, became a full-time field deputy. He quickly moved up the ranks, earning his role as a full-time investigator specializing in crimes involving child abuse and sexual offenses. Growing up in a law enforcement family has deeply influenced his career path, shaping his commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable. “My Inspiration for Law enforcement started [when] I was a child. Most of my family have been called to public service: teachers, doctors, first responders, law enforcement, and firefighters. When I entered law enforcement, I never dreamed my career would lead me to what I do now.” In addition to his investigative work, Russell collaborates with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Internet Crimes Against Children cases. His passion for law enforcement has earned him several awards, including national recognition from the Zero Abuse Project. Russell’s commitment is to serve and protect the citizens of Washita County, striving to positively impact the community.
Sheriff Rozell emphasized the importance of building a strong team and believes that these new staff members will enhance the department’s ability to effectively serve and protect Washita County’s citizens.