CHIMACUM — Republican Ken Przygocki said he is exploring the possibility of running for Jefferson County sheriff in 2010.
Przygocki, 58, said he won’t run this year for the truncated remainder of retired Sheriff Mike Brasfield’s term in November, but that he is considering joining the Republican ticket for a full four-year term in 2010.
Anthony “Tony” Hernandez, who had served as undersheriff, was named sheriff by the three Jefferson County Commissioners after Mike Brasfield retired in March.
Hernandez, 39, a Democrat, said he will run in the general election this November to fill the remainder of Brasfield’s term, which will end in 2010.
Przygocki, who lives in Chimacum, announced he was considering the position at the Jefferson County Republicans’ Lincoln Day meeting last month.
“The interest for me comes from being out in the community and hearing what people want from the sheriff’s office,” Przygocki said.
“People have told me what they like and what do they not like about how it’s going now.
“That office certainly deserves to hear all the good for what they do out here, but I believe I can do something about some of what hear that is bad.”
State patrol
Przygocki is a State Patrol sergeant based in Kitsap County.
He said he has 35 years in law enforcement, 24 of which have come from serving the local area as a member of the State Patrol.
“I’ve been in this community for 23 years now,” Przygocki said.
“As I look at the end of my career with the state, I want to see what I can do to give back to the community.
“This seems like it would be a pretty good fit.”
Before moving to Washington state, Przygocki served for 11 years in the Detroit Police Department.
His two sons also work in law enforcement.
Christopher Przygocki, who once worked at the Jefferson County jail, now is employed by the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Brandon Przygocki works at JeffCom and as a reserve officer with the Port Townsend Police Department.
“It’s a great place to live here in Jefferson County, and I really admire the sheriff’s office,” Przygocki said.
“This seems like a good way to give back.”
Przygocki said he was running as a Republican but added that he didn’t view the position as a partisan role.
“I’m more interested in public safety,” he said.
Ron Gregory, the chairman of the local Republican party, said his organization does not endorse candidates until after a primary election.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
