Andronas seeking reelection as Washington County sheriff

For the MVI

Longtime law enforcement officer Tony Andronas announced his bid for reelection as Washington County Sheriff. In his campaign announcement, Andronas cited his “proven record of accomplishments during his time as sheriff, his 30-years of law enforcement experience and his dedication to our community and the families who call our county home.”

“Throughout my career, I have taken the police oath… ’On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions’ and I have sworn to protect and to serve,” said Andronas. “As sheriff, I have followed the principles of honesty, integrity and trust, and I am humbly requesting county residents to once again ‘trust Tony,’ and pledge to continue working hard to earn your vote.”

During his first term in office, Andronas stated he has honored his promises to keep families safe, run a fiscally responsible office and to protect the rights of all residents. His announcement states: “He has done just that and is proud of his office staff and deputies and the accomplishments his team has achieved including:

• Keeping courthouse personnel and visitors safe, vigilant patrol of the county parks and properties and assisting other county agencies such as the county jail, district attorney’s office, the drug task force, probation services, children and youth services and domestic relations.

• Outlining and supporting a fiscally responsible budget to safeguard taxpayer dollars.

• Protecting the Second Amendment by expanding the license to carry permit application process to include online services as well as satellite events across the county.

• Expanding the DARE program to include additional school districts (13 school buildings) and implementing active shooter training to support local businesses and entities.

• Fostering strong relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

• Establishing professional development training for deputy sheriffs and upgrading office equipment and the office policy and procedure manual.

• Providing a strong emphasis on child safety and community awareness programs including the bicycle helmet safety campaign, gun lock safety kits, national drug take back program and partnering with the PA State Police on Project Lifesaver.

• Building comm unity partnerships by actively participating in parades, festivals, fairs, shop with cop, trunk or treat, Easter egg hunts and many more events.

“I believe the primary responsibility of law enforcement is to protect our citizens and preserve their individual rights and freedoms,” Andronas said. “My office and I are focused on keeping residents safe, upholding your constitutional rights, being fiscally responsible to protect taxpayers, and actively engaging in our community to be a valuable resource for all.”

Prior to being elected sheriff, he began his career in law enforcement as a Washington County deputy sheriff, including three years as chief deputy sheriff prior, as a full-time police officer with the South Park Township Police Department and with several other police departments in Washington County.

He said he is proud of his record of service, which includes “taking murderers, drug dealers, child predators and other dangerous criminals off our streets.”

“I have protected and served residents and communities across our region as a member of law enforcement for the last 30 years,” he said. “I am a proud member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 22 Washington County and the Western PA Chiefs of Police Association.”

He also proudly serves on the executive board of the PA Sheriff’s Association.

“Under my watch, the sheriff’s office has fostered strong ties with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, which is great for county residents who are safer because of these relationships,” he stated..

Andronas graduated with a bachelor of science degree from California University of Pennsylvania. He went on to graduate from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy and from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law Sheriff’s Act 2 Training.

“In addition to my law enforcement duties as county sheriff, I have used my administrative and financial skills to run an effective office,” he said. “As a husband and father, I understand that the hard-working men and women of our county can’t afford to pay higher taxes, so I pledge to continue running a cost-efficient office that protects your taxpayer dollars.”

A lifelong resident, Andronas graduated from Canon McMillan High School and lives in North Strabane Township where he and his wife of 24 years, Stacey, are raising their children. They are active members of Canonsburg Greek Orthodox Church, and Tony is a member of Masonic Lodge 164, Canonsburg-Houston- Southpointe Rotary Club, and serves as longtime secretary of the Borough and Township Police Association.