BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — For the first time since surviving a shooting that killed two other police officers last August, Box Elder County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Allred was speaking publicly in Brigham City.
Deputy Allred announced that he would run for Box Elder County Sheriff.
But it was no surprise to those who know him, and Mike Allred himself says it was something he’s been thinking about for years.
But Deputy Allred first wanted to pay tribute to the Tremonton-Garland police officers who were shot and killed in the line of duty last summer, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada.
“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," he said.
Allred and his canine partner Azula were also wounded in that shooting.
“Azula and I have healed together and during this time of healing, our bond has become unbreakable. We are forever united, and we look forward to staying together and having a long and productive future serving the citizens of Box Elder County," he said.
During their recovery, Allred says he’s received incredible support from those in law-enforcement, ordinary citizens and especially school children.
He says he keeps all the cards, letters and drawings in a series of three-ring binders.
“When I’m having a rough day, I’ll go through those binders and remember I have a lot of support in the community," said Allred.
Allred says that’s only strengthened his resolve to do something he’s been thinking about for a long time.
“Well, I’m giving it all I’ve got, As of this morning, I have filed my papers and I declare my candidacy for the office of sheriff of Box Elder County. And I look forward to winning this election," he said.
Allred made his announcement amongst a handful of family members, friends, and supporters. Including Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes.
“We need to try and progress law enforcement into the future up here and I think Mike is the right candidate to do that," he said.
Chief Reyes wore a suit and not his police uniform to the announcement.
He said that’s because his support for Allred is not only from a law-enforcement perspective, but also as a citizen who is experiencing change and growth in the area.
“The reality is, with that sprawl comes an increase in crime and different types of events that we typically haven’t seen up here in Box Elder County," said Allred.
Allred knows this now means running against his boss, the current Box Elder County sheriff, Kevin Potter.
“I’m all in, I have a job to do, he has a job to do and I expect both of us to continue doing our jobs.”
Deputy Allred and his team filed the official paperwork first thing Friday morning.
FOX 13 News also reached out to the current Sheriff, Kevin Potter, to see if he has any reaction to all of this.
We have not yet heard back.
