Butler ahead in Republican bid to replace retiring Schuylkill County sheriff
Shawn Butler, chief deputy to Sheriff Joseph G. Groody, leads in the Republican primary for Schuylkill County sheriff on Tuesday night, defeating Frank J. DiMarco, a veteran police officer.
With all 125 precincts reporting, Butler earned 8,845 votes while DiMarco tallied 5,466. That count did not reflect all mail-in and absentee ballots as of 11:45 p.m.
Groody, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election. He was first appointed sheriff in 2007 and elected in 2009.
With more than a 2-to-1 edge in voter registration, it's likely that Butler will be elected sheriff in November. No Democrats are seeking their party's nomination in the primary, though it's possible a candidate could be selected on a write-in vote, including DiMarco.
The sheriff's main duties are providing security for the courts, transporting prisoners, and issuing gun permits, but they do not have investigative powers.
FURTHER READING: District Attorney Race
Butler, 45, of Frackville, has 10 years of experience in the sheriff's office and formerly was an Army Reservist and a police officer for 20 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant in Butler Township.
DiMarco, 53, of Walker Township, has 28 years of experience as a police officer in Saint Clair and Blythe Township, and he currently runs an auto repair shop near New Philadelphia.
During the race, both candidates described themselves as true conservatives and second amendment supporters.
On Tuesday night Butler said that he was excited by the early returns and thankful for all of the support he had received, including Groody's endorsement.
'It's overwhelming,' he said of the backing he's gotten from those who helped his campaign.
He was happy that voter turnout seemed to have exceed expectations.
DiMarco earlier in the evening spoke about his plans if elected. Among them was his intention to have the sheriff's department arrange for the county's able-bodied, non-violent prison inmates to help keep communities clean and maintained. He said that he would work with local officials to allow inmates to volunteer to collect trash along county roadways, streets, rivers, and in communities.
Butler said that he is committed to collaborating with federal agencies to uphold law and order, ensuring that local enforcement aligns with national efforts to protect citizens. By strengthening partnerships and implementing effective policies, Butler said he aimed to do his part in ensuring communities are safe.
Butler said that he embodied the values of Schuylkill County by being pro-Constitution, pro-family, and pro-freedom, and was committed to ensuring that law enforcement reflects the principles of integrity, accountability, and service.
He said that he would modernize technology and enhance security measures in the sheriff's office to ensure that both courthouse staff and community members accessing services there would feel safe.
Building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community was a priority of his, he said. Whether addressing the opioid crisis through drug prevention programs in schools, or educating residents about scams and elder abuse, he said he wanted every citizen to feel informed and protected.
He also said that he would manage the budget responsibly while ensuring that law enforcement delivers the highest level of service to the community.
DiMarco said his priority as sheriff would be to make the office more transparent and to be fiscally responsible by looking for additional revenue through grants to expand the department's capabilities without overburdening the taxpayers.
Regarding illegal immigration, he said he would work collectively with local officials and have policies for assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security as requested by their agencies and as prescribed by the law.
For improved courthouse and community safety, he wanted to acquire a canine specifically trained in the detection of firearms and explosives that would be available at the county building and also to assist local communities and law enforcement officers against threats to schools and other community events.
DiMarco also wanted to create a system in which concealed gun permit holders would be notified 30 days before their permits expired that they were due for renewal.
Check back later today for expanded coverage of the 2025 Schuylkill County Primary.
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