Ciriello Kicks Off Campaign For Sheriff
LEESBURG — “Experience Matters” is the slogan Tony Ciriello, Milford, will be using in his campaign for the nomination of Kosciusko County Sheriff on the Republican ballot. Ciriello officially kicked off his campaign with a gathering of supporters Thursday evening at Tippy Creek Winery. More than 70 supporters were in attendance to hear his platforms and provide support.
Ciriello, current county coroner and former Syracuse Police Chief and member of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, made several promises to the public — to have the door open to anyone wishing to speak with him and he is a man of his word.
Ciriello’s wife, Jane, introduced her husband, noting their family faces the same concerns daily as the community – safety, addiction, mental health and education of children. “He is strong. Strong in his beliefs. He’s strong in setting and reaching goals. When he sets his mind to it, nothing can stop him,” she said. She noted when he first joined the Indiana Police Chiefs Association, he came home after the first meeting and said he was going to be president of the association some day. “He did. He won the Sagamore Of the Wabash for his leadership. That’s who he is.”
Noting he came from an era where police officers were a brotherhood and they had each other’s back, “if anyone can restore that type of brotherhood it is Tony. He won’t rest until he succeeds. That’s the type of leader he is,” said Jane Ciriello. “He has the proven background in his leadership roles over the past 35 years.”
Tony Ciriello highlighted two of the three areas of his platform – collaboration and community outreach. He has a desire to host a quarterly sheriff’s night out in communities for people to share concerns, offer ideas to make changes. “The sheriff has to listen to what people have to say and be accountable to the voters.”
He spoke of educating young people beyond DARE. “A little bit of education in the eighth grade makes a difference when a senior in high school, a junior in college, or thinking about using drugs, stealing medication from parents or money …make a difference forever.” The need to work with non-law enforcement agencies – fire departments, EMS, to train together for situations involving safety, security and happiness of the people in the community. He also touched on the sheriff’s ability to work with township trustees to make a difference for the poor.
Tony Ciriello spoke of the opioid epidemic, noting the 23 deaths this year. “The drug problem is a community problem. “I commit to you, if elected, the battle will continue that I started as coroner. I’m not going to quit.” He stated when he focuses on something, he goes for it and does not stop until he’s done. “I don’t give up easily.”
Tony Ciriello didn’t hide the fact his son had a drug addiction problem and this may be an issue for many. “We don’t tolerate it,” he said about his family, noting his wife turned their son in. He also stated he would not run a negative campaign and while he doesn’t like to lose, he would continue working with his opponents regardless of the outcome.
Ciriello has a Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/CirielloforSheriff and a website: CirielloforSheriff.com, on which the public can learn more about his platform, accomplishments, professional associations and community involvement.