BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Candidate Patrick ‘Rick’ Engle, R-Lisbon, has now been endorsed by four unions whose employees work for the Sheriff’s Office and the Massena Police Protective Association.

Engle is challenging Undersheriff Sean O’Brien, R-Ogdensburg, for the Sheriff’s job. Both candidates are expected to appear on the Republican ballot, forcing a primary race in June.

Assuming he acquires and files the proper number of signatures, O’Brien will have a spot on the November ballot after receiving an endorsement from the St. Lawrence County Conservative party.

Most recently Engle was endorsed by the St. Lawrence County Corrections Association.

“Rick Engle has given twenty-two dedicated years to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of St. Lawrence County. Rick also served four years in the United States Marines. The experience Rick has gained through his years of service have proven him resourceful to not only the entire Sheriff’s Office, but to other law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue personnel and members of our community. One of Rick’s greatest leadership qualities is his ability to communicate. Rick also values each member of a team equally, making him very approachable,” the endorsement said.

He’s additionally received endorsements from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Supervisor Association, the St. Lawrence County Deputies Association and the St. Lawrence County Corrections Supervisors’ Association.

All of the votes were unanimous.

Both O’Brien and Engle are veteran members of the Sheriff’s Department. Engle serves as an investigator and O’Brien has served as Undersheriff since 2020.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe chose not to seek re-election this fall.