COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Branch County will probably have a new Sheriff take office next year. Current Sheriff Warren Cannon, who’s held the post since 2001, is not expected to seek re-election to a fourth term.

Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Michael Gatke today officially announced his candidacy for the Office of Sheriff, saying he reached the decision after a great deal of encouragement from his wife, family, colleagues and the community . Gatke has been with the Sheriff’s department thirty years,  twenty-three of those years as a supervisor responsible for administrative duties, road patrol, training, community policing boards, giving him experience in all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.

Gatke says he will insure tax dollars are spent wisely in areas of community service, community protection, jail security, chaplain services and law enforcement.  May 15^th is the filing deadline for candidates. No one has yet turned the necessary papers to the Branch County Clerk’s office. August Seventh is the primary election date with the general election on November Sixth.