Patt taps former jail chief Firman as potential undersheriff
Lake County sheriff candidate Jason Patt has tapped a former county chief of corrections as his undersheriff, should he win election Nov. 4.
Patt, a 36-year-old Democrat from Zion, announced Wednesday he will appoint former chief of corrections Patrick Firman, a Lake Villa Republican, to serve as his second-in-command if he ousts incumbent Republican Sheriff Mark Curran next month.
Firman currently works as McHenry County Deputy Chief of Corrections, and previously served 18 years in the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Patt said in a news release.
"Patrick is my choice for undersheriff because not only does he have excellent credentials and experience, but he also is a well-respected member of the law enforcement community with the right temperament for this position," Patt said.
Curran, 51, of Libertyville, declined to comment about the selection.
Firman served as chief of corrections under former Lake County Sheriff Gary Del Re, Patt said, and is a member of the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association. Firman also teaches criminal justice classes part-time at the College of Lake County, he added.
"I am honored at the opportunity to return to the Lake County Sheriff's Office and join Jason's team," Firman said. "I believe that my background and experience complement what Jason brings to the job. I'm looking forward to again serving the citizens of Lake County along with Jason."
Firman holds a Master's of Business Administration and graduate certificate in human resource management. He also serves as the vice president of the Illinois Correctional Association.