Former South Bend Police Chief entering St. Joseph County Sheriff's race as independent

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Another candidate is entering the race for St. Joseph County Sheriff. Two time South Bend Police Chief Chuck Hurley plans to file to run as an independent candidate.

Hurley has an extensive background in law enforcement. In addition to his two runs as chief, he also served on the Notre Dame Police Department and as St. Joseph County Deputy Coroner. He says it’s that background that will make him the most qualified candidate on the november ballot.

“We have two weak candidates who came out of the primary and I think the citizens of St. Joseph County deserve better than that," said Hurley.

Hurley discussed his plans to run during a meeting for the Howard Park East Bank Nieghborhood Association.

“We have a big hurdle to clear if I’m going to do this and that’s 1,400 signatures that we’re shooting for by the end of June," said Hurley.

Hurley says, he made the decision after current Sheriff Mike Ggrzegorek urged him to run. He says Grzegorek was dissatisfied with the candidates moving onto the general election -- Democrat Bill Redman and Republican Paul Jonas. Grzegorek had previously endorsed Democrat Tim Corbett.

“The work that he’s put in with no controversies in that department -- the department that he’s built. Neither one of those people are qualified to run a large complex agency like the St. Joseph County Police Department," said Hurley.

Hurley served twice as South Bend Police Chief -- for four years in the 1980s and again for a year when South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg appointed him interim chief amidst the fallout of the police tapes scandal.

“I think that the men and women on the St Joseph County Police Department need that leadership," said Hurley. "I think the citizens in our community demand that they have a professional department.“

To be included on the November ballot Hurley needs to have those 1,400 signatures from registered St. Joseph County voters submitted by July 2nd.

Tim Corbett and Bill Redman were both invited to speak at Monday's meeting, but were unable to attend.