As part of MSJ-Sparta’s 2026 Election Coverage, our Meet Your Candidates series gives voters a quick, clear look at who’s on the ballot and where they stand so you can head to the polls informed and confident.
Daniel Trivette, 44, is a lifelong conservative, proven law enforcement leader, small business owner, and dedicated family man committed to serving White County with integrity, accountability, and strong leadership.
Daniel is the son of Sue Trivette and the late James Trivette. Daniel moved to White County when he was six-years-old, in 1988, when James accepted a pastoral position at Calvary Baptist Church on Roberts Matthews Highway. Daniel is married to Joni (Simpson) Trivette, daughter of Arthur Simpson and the late Pat Simpson. Joni served in the White County School System for over a decade and has been actively involved in White County Athletics, coaching basketball and volleyball. She currently homeschools their two children, Elyza and Ralston Trivette, who are active in junior rodeos, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The Trivette family is deeply rooted in faith, family, and community.
He holds a four-year degree in Criminal Justice and brings more than 15 years of law enforcement experience to his campaign. Daniel began his career as a Corrections Officer at the White County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO.) He went on and worked his way up the ranks to Sergeant at WCSO over the next four years. He then transferred to the Cookeville Police Department where he spent over eleven years working his way up the ranks again until he received the promotion of Lieutenant. For 12 of his 15 year career, he has served in a supervisory role, leading officers, overseeing operations, mentoring personnel, and ensuring accountability within his teams.
Throughout his career, Daniel has participated in extensive leadership training and specialized opportunities. He has served on SWAT, worked alongside the K-9 Unit, been a member of the Recruitment Team, law enforcement instructor (less lethal, firearms, de-esculation, etc;), served as a Crisis Negotiator, criminal investigator, and operated as a Meth Task Force Agent. These assignments have provided him with real-world experience in high-pressure situations, team leadership, and strategic operations.
In addition to his law enforcement service, Daniel has owned and operated an agriculture-based business in White County for over four years. As a small business owner, he understands fiscal responsibility, budget management, and the importance of making every taxpayer dollar count.
As Sheriff, Daniel believes in fiscal responsibility with the department’s budget, transparency in communication, and strengthening relationships with the community. He is committed to rebuilding professional relationships, restoring trust, and fostering a culture of accountability within the department. Oftentimes communities focus on choosing a sheriff based on their law enforcement skills or popularity rather than leadership, business skills, and ability to manage such an important department. It is important to find a leader that is qualified based on their ability to balance management skills with law enforcement expertise.
Daniel believes strong leadership begins from within. He supports a servant leadership model that invests in employees, prioritizes retention before recruitment, and works to slow turnover by building a culture where deputies and staff feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed.
He plans to implement and strengthen key community-focused initiatives, including:
● A successful Citizen Police Academy to increase transparency and public understanding
● A strong Chaplains Program, with multiple clergy and chaplains, to support deputies, staff, and families
● A proactive Neighborhood Watch Program to empower citizens and strengthen partnerships
● A more standardized and structured training program for new officers
● Expanded training initiatives to better prepare officers to interact effectively and compassionately with individuals who have special needs
Daniel understands that the community has invested in him. Now, he believes it is time to give back - to the citizens of White County and to the Sheriff’s Department that first gave him the opportunity to begin his successful career in law enforcement.
Daniel does not need this job - he wants this job. He wants to serve. He wants to lead. And he wants to ensure that the next generation inherits a stronger, more unified Sheriff’s Office.
White County deserves steady, principled leadership rooted in service, accountability, and unity. Daniel Trivette is ready to serve as your next Sheriff - bringing Experience That Unites and Leadership That Delivers.
www.trivetteforsheriff.com
The Main Street Journal - Sparta's Election 2026 Coverage is brought to you by Tennessee Credit.
