A retired detective announced Wednesday his candidacy for Freeborn County Sheriff.

Thursday, April 11, 2002

A retired detective announced Wednesday his candidacy for Freeborn County Sheriff.

Mark Harig, who departed the Sheriff’s Office last December, said he would utilize his expertise as a long-time investigator to help the law enforcement organization grow if he were elected.

Harig worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 29 years.

As a detective specializing in narcotic crimes, he was in charge of the South Country Drug Investigation Unit and orchestrated a number of drug-bust operations.

“Most of the crimes in the county stem from drugs,” said Harig. “I will work hard on the drug problem to lower the crime rate in our community.”

Harig said he welcomes the county’s initiative to build a new judicial center that will accommodate 117 inmates.

“I have seen how the crowded jail situation was pushing the court to use alternative sentencing instead of a jail time. The new facility would benefit the whole community,” he said.

Incumbent Sheriff Don Nolander announced Thursday that he will not run for reelection in November, opening the way for a new Freeborn County Sheriff.