Organisciak says former Holley police chief would be first choice for undersheriff

Don Organisciak

HOLLEY – William Murphy, the former Holley chief who worked at small and large police departments in a 30-year law enforcement career, would be Don Organisciak’s first choice for undersheriff, the candidate for sheriff said on Wednesday.

Organisciak, a retired Medina police officer and investigator, is endorsed by the Democratic Party in the Nov. 3 election for sheriff. He faces Randy Bower (Republican and Conservative lines) and Tom Drennan, who is running under the Reform and Independence lines.

Bower has said Chris Bourke, a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office, would serve as undersheriff and Drennan last week said Brett Sobieraski, a sergeant with the Rochester Police Department and a Kent resident, would serve in the role if Drennan is elected.

Murphy, an Albion native, started his career with Holley in 1985. He went on to work at the Albion, Rochester and Greece police departments and then retired. However, he took the opportunity to return to Holley as police chief about 7 ½ years ago.

He led the department with 10 part-time officers until Sept. 1.

“He would be my first call,” Organisciak said about Murphy.

The sheriff candidate said Murphy’s experience with small, medium and large departments would be an asset. Murphy has been an officer and worked in management, Organisciak said.

“He has a good background,” Organisciak said. “If I had to leave the office or go out of town, I would feel comfortable leaving him in charge.”

Organisciak has said the election should be about the sheriff. However, he wants the public to know if he is elected he will have a qualified and experienced undersheriff in the post.

“I want someone I can trust, someone with a level head, someone who can communicate with the staff and the citizens, and Bill can do that,” Organisciak said.