Today, Borough of North Plainfield Chief of Police, William “Bill” Parenti announced his intention to seek the nomination of the Somerset County Republican Organization for Sheriff at their upcoming annual screening meeting.

“I’m officially announcing that I’m in the race,” said Parenti. “Running for Sheriff is a great honor and great responsibility and I believe that my many years in law enforcement coupled with my fourteen years as Chief an accredited agency in North Plainfield have afforded me the experience and commitment to community to be a successful Sheriff.”

Parenti’s announcement comes after Provenzano recently announced his decision not to seek re-election and to retire at the end of his term.

“Frank has been a great Sheriff for many years. I have been proud to support him during his tenure and I look forward to building upon the many programs designed to assist the people of Somerset County that Sheriff Provenzano championed.”

Upon his retirement announcement Provenzano immediately endorsed Chief Parenti as “the very best and most qualified person to become Somerset’s next Sheriff.”

“I’m honored to have Sheriff Provenzano’s endorsement which was a major factor in my decision to run,” said Parenti.

A former president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Parenti is currently serving his thirteenth consecutive year as president of the Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police. Married to his wife Eileen for more than 31 years, the Parenti’s are the proud parents of two adult children, Danielle, a registered pharmacist and Bill Jr, a police officer.