BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Candidate Patrick ‘Rick’ Engle, R-Lisbon, has been endorsed by three unions whose employees work for the Sheriff’s Office.

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.

The race is moving fast despite the fact that candidates can’t circulate petitions yet.

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.

Engle, meanwhile, is receiving broad support from employees of the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

“One of the most important qualities that sets Rick apart is his unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the rights of all citizens. As Sheriff, Rick will work tirelessly to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all St. Lawrence County residents are protected and respected,” an endorsement letter from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Supervisor Association said. “The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Supervisor Association is confident that Detective Rick Engle has the experience, integrity, and leadership qualities necessary to serve as the next Sheriff of St. Lawrence County. We hope that you will join us in supporting his election.”

A similar letter was received from the St. Lawrence County Deputies Association.

“The St. Lawrence County Deputies Association is confident that Detective Patrick “Rick” Engle is the most qualified candidate to lead the Sheriff’s Office. Rick’s integrity is unparalleled and he will continue his diligent work for all the citizens of this county. We hope that you will join us in supporting Rick’s election for St. Lawrence County Sheriff,” he said.

Engle was also endorsed by the St. Lawrence County Corrections Supervisors’ Association.

“Patrick "Rick" Engle is a true leader who has and will always put the safety, security and wellbeing of the public first and foremost. Rick is not the traditional politician of today, as Sheriff we are confident he will put the interest of the community and his entire staff ahead of his own,” the union members said in their endorsement letter.

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.