As the election season heats up in Wasatch County, three candidates have emerged in the race for sheriff, each bringing distinct backgrounds and visions for the future of law enforcement in the region. The candidates are Jeremy Hales, currently serving as the Emergency Management Director, Eric Mainord, a seasoned detective from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and the incumbent, Sheriff Jared Rigby, who is seeking a third term. The deadline for filing candidacies passed recently, and all three candidates are registered Republicans. The Wasatch County Republican Party plans to hold a convention in the spring where delegates will select one candidate as the party’s nominee. If no candidate receives 60% of the vote, a primary election could be triggered, potentially allowing candidates to gather signatures to qualify. This election cycle is particularly significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the county's law enforcement leadership. Jeremy Hales, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to serving Wasatch County, has held various roles throughout his career, including time as a school resource officer and D.A.R.E. instructor. Reflecting on his experience in the school district, Hales emphasized the importance of engaging with youth. “Teaching the D.A.R.E. program and helping children make good choices was remarkable,” he stated, underscoring how formative these experiences were in shaping his desire to serve the community. In his current role as Emergency Management Director, Hales oversees the 911 center and disaster planning efforts for the county. He expressed a lifelong ambition to become sheriff, stating, “Now is the time to take that step.” Should he be elected, his primary focus would be on fostering strong relationships within the Sheriff’s Office and with the community. He aims to combat criminal behavior actively, ensuring residents feel safe and confident in law enforcement. Hales committed to serving with integrity and accountability, stating, “I care about what the voters want, and I want to be held accountable to them.” Eric Mainord, with 16 years of law enforcement experience, is also vying for the sheriff’s position. Currently a detective with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Mainord aspires to bring a community-oriented approach to Wasatch County. He believes in the effectiveness of a “quiet professionals” philosophy, prioritizing public safety and law enforcement’s fundamental responsibilities. “I’m a roll-up-your-sleeves, get in the dirt kind of guy,” he said, highlighting his hands-on approach to law enforcement. Mainord has worked on high-profile cases, including the investigation into the aggravated murder case involving Kouri Richins. His experiences have shaped his commitment to providing a high standard of service to the public. “We investigate every case as though our grandmother were the victim,” he said, indicating the importance of empathy and thoroughness in law enforcement. If elected, Mainord’s primary goal would be to restore public trust and enhance community safety, tackling issues from serious crimes to everyday concerns like package theft. Incumbent Sheriff Jared Rigby, who has been in office since 2015, is optimistic about his reelection bid. Rigby has received encouragement from his team and has outlined several goals he wishes to see completed if given another term. “I care a great deal about Wasatch County, and we have a great team that’s working well together,” he affirmed. Rigby’s experience spans various roles within the Sheriff’s Office, including corrections, patrol, and investigations, which he believes uniquely positions him to continue leading the department effectively. While Rigby emphasizes that public safety remains his most important priority, he also aims to address critical issues such as traffic safety, citing the need for education and enforcement to prevent accidents and fatalities on county roads. “There’s work to be done in terms of traffic enforcement and traffic education,” he noted, demonstrating his commitment to addressing pressing community concerns. As the election approaches, the candidates’ contrasting backgrounds and visions present a significant choice for Wasatch County voters. The community will have the opportunity to evaluate each candidate’s platform and experience at the upcoming Republican convention, where the future of law enforcement leadership in Wasatch County will begin to take shape. The eventual nominee will not only reflect the party’s ideals but will also be tasked with addressing the challenges and needs of a rapidly changing community. The election for Wasatch County sheriff is an important moment for residents, as the new leader will play a crucial role in shaping public safety and community relations for the foreseeable future. With the candidates’ diverse experiences and commitments to serving the public, the upcoming months will be critical in determining who will lead the sheriff's office into the next chapter.