Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody announced Tuesday he will run for re-election. Groody, a Democrat, was first elected in 2009 after serving one year as an appointed sheriff.
"I love what I do and believe we have made a difference," Groody said in a press release. "That is why I would like the privilege to continue serving Schuylkill Countians as their sheriff. Being sheriff is about more than catching criminals, moving prisoners and issuing civil complaints. It's about helping people and being proactive in all facets of law enforcement."
As county sheriff, Groody said his office has pursued undocumented workers illegally working in the area, assisted the County District Attorney's Office and municipal police forces track down and apprehend fugitives at large and helped the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force in the war against drugs. Groody also said his office stepped up to patrol and enforce curfews during Hurricane Lee in boroughs and townships affected by the storm.
"It's an honor to serve as Schuylkill County's sheriff, one that drives me to give my all to help keep the peace in this county and its courthouse," Groody said. "The sheriff's office has made terrific progress in my first term. The courthouse is safer. Deputy sheriffs are better trained. Our office has helped to improve and augment law enforcement in this county."
Born and raised in Ashland, Groody is an active member in the Washington Fire Company, Washington Community Fire Company and Ambulance and Rescue, a member and officer of the FOP Lodge No. 25 for the past 35 years, Ashland Elks, where he served as district deputy grand exalted ruler of the north east central district and exalted ruler Ashland Lodge, according to the press realease.
Groody graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 1976 and the North Vocational Technical School in 1976. He joined the Ashland police force in 1977 and entered the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, graduating in 1978 with his Act 120 certification.
Groody resides in Ashland with his family with his wife, Ann Marie Fertig Groody, and two children, Faith and Joey.
As of Tuesday evening, Groody was the only person to announce candidacy for the position.