There’s going to be a new Sheriff in St. Clair and Sanilac counties following this year’s election. Late last year, Sanilac County Sheriff Garry Biniecki announced he would be retiring and since that time, three candidates have filed for the August primary to replace the veteran law enforcement officer. Earlier this week, in St. Clair County, Sheriff Tim Donnellon made a similar announcement, that he is not seeking re-election. Donnellon, who has served in the sheriff department since 1998, made his decision at the last minute on the last day to file, had he chosen to run. Donnellon has served as deputy, detective, sergeant and lieutenant and was elected sheriff in 2008. Donnellon was also elected to serve as President of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. Mat King is the only person to file to replace Donnellon and waited to make his announcement until Donnellon had decided to retire. King began his career in law enforcement with the Detroit Police Department in 1996 and then in 1998, he came to the St. Clair County Sheriff Department as a road patrol deputy and has served in a variety of roles since. He has been captain of the road patrol for the past three years. In Sanilac County, Nathan Smith, Paul Rich and Steve McKenney will square off in August to see who will replace Biniecki as Sheriff.
