Those interested in serving as Benton County’s top law enforcement official now have an opportunity to throw their hat into the ring. 

The recent retirement of Benton County Sheriff Tom Croskrey, who served for more than 30 years in law enforcement, is leading the Benton County Republican Party Central Committee to seek potential applicants for the role. 

The state constitution lays out the process for determining nominees for state legislative and partisan offices if they are vacated. It requires appointees be of the same political party as the vacating official with the county board of commissioners making the appointment.  

Applicants have until 5 p.m. Oct. 17 to submit their resume to the party to be considered via email to [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 2141, Richland, WA 99352. 

A vetting committee from the party will conduct screening interviews of candidates which will be shared with precinct committee officers (PCOs). 

Nominees will then be invited to a public candidate interview forum special meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at Island View Worship Center, 1520 Fowler St. in Richland. That will be followed by a closed meeting of PCOs to recommend three nominees to the county commissioners for consideration. 

The commissioners must appoint a new sheriff on or before Nov. 30, or Gov. Bob Ferguson will determine the appointment.  

The appointee will serve until the November 2026 general election. 

Mike Clark, a 22-year veteran of the department, was named interim sheriff by the county commissioners on Oct. 1.