The Berrien County Sheriff Appointment Committee has reviewed the applications of those people applying to serve the remaining term of Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey.
Bailey is retiring at the end of this year – leaving a year before the next election.
Five people have applied for the role interim role and after initial review, the committee decided all five will receive an interview. Berrien County Prosecutor Steven Pierangeli chairs the appointment committee and says each interview will start with Q&A during an hour session.
“It will be started with a 45 question and answer session with the interviewee, followed by discussion among committee members,” Pierangeli said. “After the interviewing is done, the committee will deliberate and make a decision and appoint a new sheriff at that time.”
Four of the five candidates are currently serving in the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office. One is from out of state.
The five applying for the role are Lieutenant Thomas Dyer of Niles, Jeffrey Gorley of Miramar, Florida, Undersheriff Chuck Heit of New Buffalo, Lieutenant Roger Johnson of St. Joseph, and Deputy Jason Long of Berrien Springs.
The interviews are open to the public and will be held on November 22.
