The race for the next Mecosta County Sheriff is getting tougher as current Undersheriff James Taylor announced his intentions recently to be the next top law enforcement officer in the county.

 

Taylor, a lifelong resident of the area, attended Ferris State University majoring in criminal justice and has been in law enforcement since 1994 and has worked in positions such as field training officer, sergeant, detective/sergeant and currently undersheriff.  

 

Taylor's decision to run came after current Mecosta County Sheriff Todd Purcell announced he will not be seeking re-election this year.

 

Taylor says one of his main goals will continue to be if elected new sheriff, would be to increase police involvement with the community and volunteerism.

 

 "It is important to have positive contacts with the public; they are our eyes and ears in making Mecosta County a safe family place to live.” Taylor said. “When I was young, my parents encouraged volunteering in the community you lived, so I would also like to encourage deputies within the department to volunteer both on and off duty, that would be another goal, if elected sheriff.” Taylor added.

 

Also, on the ballot running for sheriff is Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Detective Brian Mille and Mecosta County Sheriff Deputy Jared Christensen. Candidates have until April 21^st to file to run in the 2020 election.