Undersheriff Frank Baker today announced his intention to seek the office of Sheriff of Allegan County in the November 2016 election, just 24 hours after current Sheriff Blaine Koops announced his retirement.

Baker has served in the sheriff’s department for 25 years as rank deputy, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, interim jail commander and most recently undersheriff, having been appointed in early 2015.

He said his decision to seek the office comes “after great support and encouragement from current Sheriff Blaine Koops, retired Undersheriff James Hull, several current and retired sheriff’s office members” and family.

“My wife and I feel as though it is the right thing to do, not just for our family or the sheriff’s office, but most importantly, the citizens of Allegan County,” Baker said. “Beyond my law enforcement experience, training and education, my community involvement reflects the values and commitment to Allegan County that is essential for this position.”

Baker previously served as a board member for Sylvia’s Place (domestic violence shelter) and currently serves on the board of directors for the Allegan General Hospital Foundation, Allegan County Legal Assistance Center and the Allegan County Children’s Advocacy Center, where he has served for almost 14 years.

His wife, Cindy, currently serves on the board of directors for the Allegan County Community Foundation and is an operations manager for a recovery audit firm. Their son, Kyle, is a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force and is stationed in South Carolina with his wife, Deana, who is a financial center manager at a federal credit union. Shelby, their daughter, is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and is employed as a sales and marketing coordinator at a Tier One automotive supplier in Metropolitan Detroit.

“I am very humbled and honored to have received so much encouragement in my decision to seek the office of sheriff, in particular from Sheriff Blaine Koops who I believe shares the same law enforcement philosophies and values as myself,” Baker said.

For more information please go to www.frankbakerforsheriff.com or email him at frankbakerforsheriff@gmail.com.