WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The race for Branch County sheriff is now a three-person contest.
Branch County Sheriff’s Department Captain Fred Blankenship, who also serves as jail administrator, and Coldwater Police Department School Resource Officer Robin Swartz recently announced their intent to pursue the four-year position.
Current Sheriff John Pollack is retiring at the end of the year.
Swartz was a member of the sheriff’s department for 29 years before retiring in 2016. She has returned to the workforce as a member of the Coldwater Police Department.
Blankenship has been with the sheriff’s department for 28 years and served in several different positions. He has been jail administrator for more than 20 years.
Sheriff’s deputy Michael Thyng announced his candidacy shortly after the new year.
