Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RICHARD JENKINS
Hurley — Iron County Sheriff Tony Furyk has decided to retire at the end of his current term, with Lt. Paul Samardich recently taking the first steps necessary to run for the office.
Furyk has been with the Iron County Sheriff’s Department since 1983, serving the last eight years as sheriff.
He said while he loves the job, he felt it’s time to let someone else do it.
Since starting with the department, he said he has seen a lot of changes — most notably the technology the department uses.
While the department was likely writing reports on typewriters when he first started, the department has access to all kinds of technology, including computers in squad cars. The advances have helped with the job, Furyk said, and have given deputies more tools to work with.
He praised the department’s employees, saying he was confident they would continue moving forward under the next sheriff.
While candidates for the job can’t begin collecting signatures until Sunday, Samardich has already filed the initial paperwork declaring his candidacy for the office.
Samardich joined the Iron County Sheriff’s Department in 1994, serving in a variety of positions — including as the department’s lieutenant investigator for the past eight years.
“I think I can keep leading the department forward. I think it’s a logical step for me,” Samardich said. “I know the department — being here and knowing the people for the last 24 years and having worked in every facet of the sheriff’s department, I think I definitely have the right vision of where I want to go.”
Candidates running for the office of sheriff have until June to collect the necessary 200 signatures to appear on the ballot, according to Iron County Clerk Michael Saari.
The race will be decided in November’s general election, with a primary election held in August, if needed.