KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — For the second time in his career, Deputy Thomas Swafford will be running for the position of Kalamazoo County Sheriff.
Previously, Swafford had run for the position in 2016 as a Democrat against current Sheriff Richard Fuller. This time, however, Swafford is running as a Republican, saying that the Republican view of law enforcement is more in line with what he believes.
After the 2016 election, Swafford filed a lawsuit against Fuller, alleging that he was demoted in retaliation for his candidacy. The lawsuit was eventually settled between both parties with Swafford returning as a deputy.
Swafford is a supporter of President Donald Trump, saying that he appreciates what Trump has done for the country and law enforcement during his time in office. Swafford was also a guest speaker at a rally for Vice President Mike Pence in Toledo, OH earlier this month.
Citing his time in law enforcement over the last 18 years, 10 of which he spent as a full-time Sheriff’s Deputy, Swafford says that his experience has taught him what can be done better in the department.
Swafford believes that the biggest problem in the department is the communication between different law enforcement agencies. He also wants to restructure the Sheriff’s Department budget.
In order to raise funds for his campaign, Swafford will be holding an event with retired Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke on Friday, January 17 at Michelle’s Restaurant. Clarke, who was also a contributor on Fox News, has endorsed Swafford for his candidacy.
Swafford will be running against Fuller and Retired Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Capt. Shannon Bagley in the next election.
At the time of this writing, Swafford has yet to officially file his candidacy, but city officials say that he has an active finance committee.
