Joe Hanna has announced his bid for re-election for Sheriff of Lehigh County.

He will seek the nomination of the Republican Party in May.

Hanna was elected to office in 2015 after a 34 year career with the Allentown Police, retiring as Chief of Police, and as a former Lehigh County Detective.

During his tenure as Sheriff, Hanna is proud of the innovations he has brought to the office. Among them is the creation of new policy and procedures, consistent with best practices in law enforcement. He anticipates the office to be accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) by late 2019. Additionally, Hanna has introduced the first Explosives Detection and Tracking Canine to the Sheriff’s office. During her tenure “Nevie” has been credited with identification and examination of numerous packages of a suspicious nature. Hanna has promoted enhanced training for supervisors and deputies in various areas of law enforcement. Sheriff Hanna has realigned divisions within the office, enhancing productivity. He has instituted more structure in the hiring practice of personnel while expanding diversity within the office.

Hanna has created a Community Outreach Program where deputies are encouraged to engage the community. Presentations are conducted to school children and community groups.

Sheriff Hanna works with the County of Lehigh Administration and the Lehigh County Commissioners to ensure that his office is providing efficient service while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Lehigh County. Numerous grants totaling over $300,000.00 have been awarded to the Sheriff’s office during his tenure.

Hanna holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Moravian College and is a graduate of the highly prestigious U.S. Department of Justice F.B.I. National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Among his numerous awards, he is the 2013 recipient of the Colonel John K. Schafer Award for professional excellence in law enforcement. 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.

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