York County voters will pick their sheriff in a runoff Tuesday between Michael Belk and Tony Breeden.
Belk has served most recently as Deputy Chief with the Rock Hill Police Department while Breeden rose to lieutenant with Rock Hill before retiring two years ago.
The Fort Mill Sun asked both candidates for any last-minute comments before residents head to the polls. Here is what they said Monday:
Michael Belk: “My experience and exposure to a multitude of Law Enforcement roles has prepared me for Sheriff. Throughout my 31-year career at Rock Hill, I have first-hand experience in a broad and diverse range of Police work. My experience includes Uniformed Patrol, Narcotics Investigator, Training Sergeant, Detective – Property Crimes, Detective – Violent Crimes, Lieutenant Criminal Investigations Division, SWAT Team Operator, SWAT Team Sniper, SWAT Team Commander, Special Operations Commander, Field Services Major, Support Services Major, and now as Deputy Chief of Police. I am ready to serve the citizens of York County with engaging and professional Law Enforcement services.”
Tony Breeden: “Just to remind folks that our whole campaign has been about the people. Not about a resume, but Front Line Leadership. Administrators have a place everywhere, but the Sheriff should be a Lawman and the kind of Leader that deputies are inspired by and want to follow.”
The candidates hope to replace retiring Sheriff Kevin Tolson. No Democrat is running, so Tuesday’s Republican runoff is expected to determine the next sheriff.
Both candidates bring endorsements, such as a Facebook post from “Eden Farms” on Breeden’s page.
“We have no doubt Tony Breeden will continue things with Chief Deputy Major Fred Moore by his side. He has said from the beginning that he isn’t bringing anyone with him. He isn’t cleaning house. He isn’t offering jobs to friends. He coming to lead and support,” the Eden Farms post said. “Our experience of him and from the conversations we’ve had with those within law enforcement who do the frontline work tell us without a doubt that Tony Breeden is the best in this race for the task.”
Meanwhile, Belk received the endorsement of Coroner Sabrina Gast and others.
“I have known Michael Belk for over 25 years, both personally and professionally,” Gast said on Facebook. “I believe that Michael has the experience, knowledge, and demeanor to take on the position as sheriff. He has tailored his law enforcement career to ensure that he has knowledge of all aspects of policing, from the road to the administrative office.”