Two former Miami County employees announced last week they’d seek county offices of sheriff and county commissioner in the March Republican primary.

Paul Reece, 49, of Piqua is running for sheriff in the race to replace Charles Cox when he retires at the end of 2016.  He joins the race with Chris Anderson, a retired Troy police captain; Steve Cooper, a retired sheriff’s captain; and Dave Duchak, current chief deputy.

Greg Simmons of Troy is making a second bid for county commissioner, seeking the Jan. 2 commission seat held by Richard Cultice of Troy, who also is running.

Reece announced his sheriff’s bid Dec. 14.

Simmons announced his bid Dec. 18.

Reece has served more than 25 years as a deputy in Miami County and more recently in Montgomery County. He resigned from the Montgomery County job to run for sheriff.

“Protecting and defending the citizens of Miami County is the primary duty of the sheriff’s office and, as your next sheriff, I would base decisions on that standard,” Reece said.

He said he also would focus on illegal narcotics, human trafficking and terrorism.

“I have a plan to address jail concerns, secure the courthouse, prioritize spending, and to review internal policies,” Reece said. “Equally important is the need to create a positive work environment for the team and to establish effective communications with the public.”

He has 19 years of combined military law enforcement service in the Army and Air Force. A technical expert, he has provided skills, guidance and expertise to commanders and organizations. He also has worked as a special agent with Army Criminal Investigation Division Command, providing personal protection for executive officers of the Department of Defense and for international dignitaries visiting this country.

Reece currently is serving in the U.S. Army Reserve as commander of the 375th Criminal Investigation Division in Columbus.

He and his wife, Denise, have six children and 10 grandchildren.

Simmons worked in government agencies for more than 20 years including as chief probation officer, a police officer, a park ranger and director of the West Central Juvenile Detention Center. He also founded and served as pastor of The Upper Room Worship Center in Tipp City.

“I have directed governmental agencies for over 20 years that included supervising programs and developing interagency support. I have chaired regional and local multiagency meetings, prepared, monitored and revised county budgets, served local and state level executive boards and facilitated seminars locally, regionally and state wide, researched and developed award winning programs,” Simmons said in his declaration of candidacy.

“During the time frame of a total of 14 years as the Director of Juvenile Detention Center in Miami County, I successfully directed the business operations of a $1.6 million dollar budget,” Simmons said.

Simmons and his first wife had four children, now adults. They were married 41 years before her death. His second wife is Patricia and he has two stepsons.
His platform, Simmons said, “consists of an ethical practice that demonstrates fiscal responsibility and accountability as a public servant for Miami County.”