Cop considers run for sheriff BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer HOWELL - Sgt. David Flaherty of the township police department has a simple reason why he is considering a run for the office of Monmouth County sheriff. "My father and mother always instilled in me that I was part of the community. They told me it was my job to make it better and to give back to it," Flaherty said. Flaherty, who has spent more than 25 years working in the field of law enforcement, said he began thinking about making a run for sheriff after learning that Sheriff Joseph Oxley will not seek re-election. Oxley "was such a positive force in setting such a high professional standard for the office of Monmouth County sheriff. I would like to continue in the work that he has laid the foundation for," Flaherty said. Oxley is a Republican who announced recently that he would not seek a fourth three-year term. Flaherty holds a certificate in labor studies from Rutgers University, a bachelor of arts degree in social sciences from Saint Peter's College, and a master of arts degree in human resources, leadership training, and development from Seton Hall University. He has served as president of the Howell Township Superior Officers Association and as a state delegate for Howell PBA Local 228. "I feel very qualified for this position [of sheriff]. In life you have to proceed and move ahead or else you will stagnate," Flaherty said. "I love this county. I have lived here all my life, I've raised my kids here and I want to continue to be a part of it." Flaherty, who currently serves as a patrol sergeant in the Howell Police Department, said, he has not yet filed to seek the Republican nomination for sheriff, but he is strongly considering it. "This is the beginning of more time in this career, it is not the end of anything," he said.