Hancock Co. sergeant runs for sheriff

A former sergeant in the Hancock County Sheriff's Office launched his campaign to be the next sheriff for the 2024 election, joining two others in the race. Mike Cortez retired as a sergeant after more than 29 years with the sheriff's office. And, on Tuesday, announced his bid for the position to replace current Sheriff Michael Heldman. In his career at the sheriff's office, he served as a corrections officer, detective and on the high-intensity drug trafficking task force. "As your future sheriff, I pledge to uphold our community's core values, ensuring Hancock County continues to shine as a beacon of safety, unity and prosperity," he said. He began his career with the sheriff's office in 1994 and has received the sheriff's Community-Oriented Policing Award, 2008's Deputy of the Year and numerous life-saving awards. Cortez also teaches the next generation of officers as an adjunct professor at Tiffin University. He developed the Safe Ride Home program and educates the public on the dangers of driving impaired. His focus is a modern approach to public safety, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, advanced technology and a well-trained law enforcement team. He plans to introduce initiatives like expanding K9 units, increasing school resource officers and improving mental health in the community.