Contributed photo

A Washington County Sheriff’s Office sergeant has announced his intention to run for the office of Washington County Sheriff. Sergeant Kirk Bailey, a 22-year veteran of Washington County Law Enforcement, announced he is seeking the office in 2016.

Bailey grew up on his family’s farm near Riverside, graduated from Mid-Prairie High School and attended Missouri Western College and Coe College. Currently, he is a SWAT team leader and commander, and holds numerous instructor certifications. He has also volunteered in the community as a football coach, president of the Washington Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Washington YMCA Board, and as a board member of the Washington Domestic Violence Advisory Board, among others.

Current Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar has announced he will retire December 31st, 2016.