Longtime law enforcement officer Kenny Harden has announced his candidacy for sheriff of Butler County.

Harden, former chief deputy and investigator with the Butler County Sheriff's Department, has been an instrumental part of law enforcement in Butler County as well as a well-established part of this community.

He has been involved in numerous community functions of which most relate to law enforcement. He has been instrumental with the Safe Harbor Board and has served on the Multidisciplinary Team for the Children's Advocacy Center.

Harden has been actively involved in law enforcement on the city and county level for over twenty years. His long list of training and continuing education spans from homicide investigation to child abuse and undercover drug operations. His last position was Chief Deputy with the Butler County Sheriff's Department where he served the people of Butler County for the past seven years.

Harden said, "The one promise I make is to serve the law and ALL THE CITIZENS of Butler County with strong determination and continuous hard work. I pledge my continued vigilant effort in protecting the citizens of Butler County. I have served the people of this community over the years and feel that as sheriff I will be a driving force in making Butler County a safer and better place to live.

"If I can be of any service to any of you, please feel free to call on me," he continued, "I would like to ask you for your vote and help in this election. Thank you for your continuing support."

Harden is married to Evelyn Farmer; they four daughters and one son.