Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar has told KCII News he will be retiring December 31st, 2016. His retirement will open the elected position of sheriff and two current employees of the department have thrown their hats into the ring. Chief Deputy Lieutenant Jared Schneider and Sergeant Kirk Bailey will be seeking the position.

Dunbar tells KCII News he has spoken to both Schneider and Bailey and states he will not show support for a candidate until after the primary in June. Although, Dunbar adds he’d like to see the next sheriff elected come from the current employees in his office, so he or she is up to date on current trends, laws and technology needed to be successful.