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Undersheriff Garry Biniecki and the man he replaced, former undersheriff Greg Ferriby, are the latest candidates Ð as of press time Ð to file for the county's top elected law enforcement post.

There are now four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the August Primary Election. The other two candidates are Mike Redman, Yale police chief and retired Sanilac Sheriff's officer from Elmer Township, and William Judkins, trucking company logistics manager and former corrections officer from Carsonville.

The list may get longer. Croswell Police Chief Dave Hall is thinking about running again, now that Tim Torp, the Deckerville Chief of Police, has dropped out of the race for medical reasons. Hall had thought about running last December, but opted not to.

Biniecki, 53, is a 32-year veteran of the sheriff department who started out as a corrections officer in 1976. He was promoted to sergeant in 1984, and appointed undersheriff in 2006, after Ferriby retired.

Biniecki heads up the sheriff department's victims' services unit, and has served as captain of the dive unit for 30 years. He has been recognized as police officer of the year, and earned meritorious service and life saving awards throughout his years of service.

"The purpose of the sheriff's office is to serve and protect the residents of our county, and I will do everything I can to ensure community safety," said Biniecki.

"As sheriff, I will run the department efficiently and effectively. I will continue to promote professionalism, service, and accountability within the department, while working to keep the budget balanced."

Biniecki said he would follow the wishes of the voters when it comes to the jail. A referendum on the county commission's proposal to build $16.5 million jail is on the August ballot.

"I've talked to literally hundreds of people. The overwhelming majority are not in favor of building (the jail). I'm committed to taking when the voters decide and making it work for Sanilac County."

Biniecki has the endorsement of Sheriff Virgil Strickler, who has announced his retirement at the end of his term.

Biniecki and his wife, Debra, reside in the Sandusky area.

Ferriby served with the sheriff department for 27 years. He started as a corrections officer and worked as a dispatcher. He rose through the ranks to road patrol deputy, detective, and eventually undersheriff to Sheriff Strickler, a position he held for 12 years until his retirement in 2006.

Ferriby, 53, is a security loss prevention officer for Citizens First Bank.

His goal as sheriff is to "to continue to provide quality law enforcement services for the safety and well-being of the citizens." He added, "cooperation with the commissioners is one of my concerns."

Ferriby serves on the Sanilac County 4-H Board. He and his wife, Cindy, have three children. They reside in the Applegate area.