Earnell Lucas works for Major League Baseball and once wore the Milwaukee Police uniform; now he wants to be sheriff.
Lucas is making a major push to replace David Clarke as Milwaukee County Sheriff.
Clarke says he will be leaving for a job in the Trump administration, but the current sheriff’s future is still unclear. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to confirm any appointment.
But Lucas told TODAY’S TMJ4's Charles Benson in his first interview since Clarke's announcement that no matter what happens, he wants the job.
"I've always been a public servant," said Lucas, "and I feel that coming to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office gives me an opportunity to lead men and women for a common purpose and that is to safeguard the lives and property of the people of Milwaukee County."
Lucas has had a long career in law enforcement but he believes there's more to be done
He knows the streets of Milwaukee from his 25 years with the Milwaukee Police Department rising to the rank of District Captain.
For 15 years he traveled the country providing security for Major League Baseball where he is now chief of security and investigations.
"I feel that my collaboration skills, my leadership skills that have brought me all the way through the police department and now into baseball can serve me and will serve me very well in this opportunity," Lucas said.
He hopes that opportunity will come sooner rather than later.
If Clarke leaves for the DC job, Lucas will seek the appointment from Gov. Scott Walker, and/or run for the position in next year's election.
When asked if he thought there is currently a lack of leadership under Clarke, Lucas said, “I feel that if I was there...I could do greater, I can do better.”
Lucas will be running as a Democrat but says he's not about labels.
"This race for me is not about a person, it's not about a party," Lucas said. "It's about the people of Milwaukee County."
Lucas is not the only one interested in the sheriff's job. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge John Siefert is also expected to run as a Democrat in 2018.
