County sheriff seeks fourth term
Washington County Sheriff Samuel Romano, first elected in 2005, is seeking his fourth, four-year term.
Romano, 52, of Canton Township, plans to file as a candidate for nomination to the office in the May 16 Democratic primary.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for many court-related duties, including the serving of domestic and criminal warrants, protection-from-abuse petitions, civil processing, prisoner transportation, courtroom security and sheriff’s sales. Deputies also patrol county parks.
Romano last year added to his office Obie, a bomb-sniffing dog, who is used countywide with other law enforcement organizations, while maintaining a department with a $2.6 million annual budget and 45 employees.
His deputies also work undercover with the District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and other law enforcement organizations.
Romano remains an advocate of educating students about child safety and law enforcement. He has expanded the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in schools, regularly attends local school functions and, on a monthly basis, reads to elementary-level pupils while interacting and conducting open discussions about safety and precautions. Romano’s goal is to teach young children not to fear the police, but to seek them when they need help.
Before being elected in 2005, Romano served as a deputy sheriff and spent seven of his 22 years of public service working undercover in the criminal warrant division.
Romano said in a news release, “I love this community. I remain committed to the leadership role of serving and protecting the citizens of Washington County. Being your sheriff is not only a privilege, but also an honor, and I feel a deep responsibility to uphold its duties.”
Romano is a lifelong resident of Washington County and a Trinity High School graduate. He holds a bachelor of science degree with a concentration in criminal justice from Michigan State University in Lansing.
The sheriff’s salary is $82,774. He ran unopposed in 2009 and 2013.