Bedford announces candidacy for sheriff

? Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Bedford of Geneseo has announced his candidacy for Henry County sheriff in the 2010 Republican primary. He made the announcement on Friday, June 5.

 Bedford said he is intent on promoting positive and proactive law enforcement across the county.

 Bedford said his goals as sheriff would be:

 Revamp the elderly services program.

 Establish a public safety cadet program targeting youth grades six through 12.

Establish a clear and concise line of communication between the county board and the Police

Union to meet the meets of the citizens, deputies and the county.

 Bedford is a lifelong resident of Henry County and a 12-year veteran of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

 For the last five years, he has been a Henry County patrol officer and a member of the SWAT team.

 He has also been a volunteer firefighter for Alpha and Geneseo for 20 years.

 Bedford is a graduate of AlWood High School and a Navy veteran.

 He will formally announce his candidacy at a press conference at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in front of the Geneseo Museum.

 Bedford is the fourth sheriff candidate to announce.

 Chief Deputy Jim Padilla and sheriff’s department Lt. Dan Collier will also be candidates in the Republic primary and Annawan Police Chief Tim Wise will run for sheriff as a Democrat.

 Sheriff Gilbert Cady, who will have served in the office 32 years in 2010, has not announced whether he will seek another term.