Deputy Mike Allred of Box Elder County has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the county sheriff position, as reported by FOX 13 News. Allred, a survivor of a shooting that took the lives of two fellow officers last August, made his announcement in Brigham City surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.
At his announcement event, Allred took a moment to honor the lives of Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, who were tragically killed in the line of duty. "It’s not about me. August 17 will always be about Lee and Eric. May they always live in our hearts and minds, and let us never forget their ultimate sacrifice," Allred told the audience, reflecting the somber historical backdrop of his candidacy. During the same event, Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes expressed his support not in his professional capacity, but as a resident witnessing the evolution of his home area, "We need to try and progress law enforcement into the future up here, and I think Mike is the right candidate to do that," Chief Reyes said, according to FOX 13 News.
Moreover, Allred's campaign is set to prioritize the fight against drug-related crime, a stance he made clear during his press conference: "If you bring drugs into our community, our county and our homes, we will hunt you. We will find you, and we will bring you to justice," he mentioned, according to KSL TV. This strong stance against drug abuse also came with a call for better support systems for those recovering from addiction, underscoring a more compassionate side to the hardline approach.
In addition to combating drugs, the deputy's campaign is poised to strengthen communication and training within the sheriff's department. As noted by KUTV, Allred spoke at length about his vision for crime prevention and rapid response, but also for respectful policing. "I've always been resilient in my duties, and I have now become relentless in the pursuit of evil that exists in our world," said Allred.
Allred, whose career has not been without its trials, referenced the strength he drew from the community during his recovery, especially from school children whose cards and letters he keeps in binders for darker days, "When I’m having a rough day, I’ll go through those binders and remember I have a lot of support in the community," he disclosed, as obtained by FOX 13 News. In a bold move that sets up a workplace rivalry, Allred is running against his current superior, Sheriff Kevin Potter.
