Advertisement

Meanwhile, Sheriff Virgil Strickler has announced he will not seek another term. The 59-year-old Strickler will end his career in law enforcement at the end of his fifth term in 2008. He has served as sheriff for 20 years, and previously worked for the city of Sandusky as a police officer and chief.

Strickler said he expects his decision will prompt other candidates to run for sheriff, in addition to Redman.

Redman recently opened the Web site that declares, "Elect Michael F. Redman Sanilac County Sheriff 2008". Contacted by the News, Redman said he intends to file as a candidate this week, and will make a formal announcement in the near future. He declined further comment.

Redman's decision comes well in advance of next year's elections. The primary election is in August 2008, and the general election in November. The Web site does not give a party affiliation for Redman.

Redman began his 28-year career with the sheriff department in 1978 as a corrections officer. He was promoted to road patrol deputy sheriff in 1985, and worked as a drug task force investigator from 1991-1995 until he was promoted to road patrol sergeant in '95.

In 2000, Redman was promoted to lieutenant and jail administrator. He ran the jail operations until his retirement from the department in December 2006, after becoming police chief in Yale.

Redman served in local government as a member of the Marlette City Council from 1998 until 2006, when he moved to the Sandusky area, and was supervisor of Lamotte Township from 1983 until 1995.

He was named Sanilac County Police Officer of the Year in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1994, and Corrections Officer of the Year in 2005, for his duties as jail administrator.

He is married and lives in the Sandusky area.