Joe Hanna, a Republican, has announced his bid for re-election for Lehigh County sheriff.

Elected to office in 2015 after a 34-year career with the Allentown Police Department, he retired as chief of police, and was a former Lehigh County detective.

Hanna says he is proud of the innovations he has brought to the sheriff’s office, including creation of new policy and procedures consistent with best practices in law enforcement.

He anticipates the office will be accredited later this year by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Additionally, Hanna says he has introduced the first explosives detection and tracking K-9 to the sheriff’s office.

K-9 Nevie has been credited with identification and examination of numerous packages of a suspicious nature.

Hanna says he has promoted enhanced training for supervisors and deputies in various areas of law enforcement, has realigned divisions within the office, enhancing productivity, and has instituted more structure in the hiring practice of personnel while expanding diversity within the office.

Hanna created a community outreach program where deputies are encouraged to give presentations in schools and to community groups.

Hanna says he works with the county’s administration and commissioners to ensure his office is providing efficient service while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

Numerous grants totaling more than $300,000 have been awarded to the sheriff’s office during his tenure.

Hanna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Moravian College and is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

He is the 2013 recipient of the Col. John K. Schafer Award for professional excellence in law enforcement and, in 2004, he was recognized with the Allentown Crime Watch Police Officer of the Year Award.

During his service with the Allentown Police Department, Hanna received four departmental commendations, two for bravery.

A lifelong resident of Lehigh County, Hanna resides in Lower Macungie Township with his wife of 35 years, Randy Anne.

They have two children, Jared, a Lehigh County assistant district attorney and Michelle, associate director of residence life and Greek life at Moravian College.

“I have been privileged and humbled to collectively serve the citizens of Allentown and Lehigh County for the past 39 years,” Hanna said. “It would be an honor to continue my commitment to the progress and safety of our county by serving another term as your sheriff.”