NORTHAMPTON — Democrat Patrick Cahillane has been endorsed by Hampshire County Sheriff Robert J. Garvey to succeed him in the job he has occupied for more than three decades.
Cahillane has been employed at the Hampshire Jail and House of Correction for about 30 years and currently serves as assistant superintendent and special sheriff, Garvey’s second-in-command. Cahillane first joined the jail as a correctional officer.
“Patrick has been recognized throughout the Commonwealth for his relentless work in rehabilitation and reentry and has been a strong force in initiating successful treatment programs.,” Garvey said in a statement.
Garvey announced in February that he would not seek re-election. He was appointed in 1984 after the death of longtime Sheriff John F. Boyle.
Cahillane, Kavern Lewis and Melissa Perry are candidates in the Sept. 8 Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican David Isakson in the Nov. 8 general election.