A former Maryland state trooper and a former Baltimore County police officer have announced that they plan to run for Harford County sheriff, bringing the candidate pool to five so far.
Bob Benedetto, 53, of Bel Air, and Norman Cochran, 59, of Fallston, both plan to run as Republicans.
Benedetto said he was asked by friends to run and decided to pursue it after the incumbent, Sheriff R. Thomas Golding, announced he wouldn?t seek re-election.
Benedetto spent 28 years with the Baltimore County Police Department, rising to the level of commander of the family crimes criminal investigation unit. He is now the coordinator for safety and security for the Harford County Public Schools.
Cochran worked for the Maryland State Police for 26 years, reaching the rank of detective sergeant. He now works as a manager of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police career development unit.
“I think the biggest issues in the minds of citizens of Harford County are crimes related to gangs and the safety of children in school,” Cochran said.
Cochran said he has admired what Golding has done to combat gangs and keep schools safe. He said he would continue the programs already in place, try to put more deputies in the schools and try to provide the best tools and training for those combating gangs.
Benedetto also praised Golding for what he has done to combat gangs. He said he would attempt to improve on Golding?s work by developing a strategic plan to keep gangs from coming into Harford.
If he were elected, Benedetto said, he would work to make sure deputies are well trained, have access to all the resources they need, and “maintain a constant stream of information” on all levels to help keep Harford residents safe.
