MOSES LAKE — Darrik Gregg, a law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience in various capacities, has announced his candidacy for Grant County Sheriff. He is the third to announce his candidacy, with incumbent Joey Kriete announcing his intention to run for a second term Jan. 12 and Josh Sainsbury announcing he will be running the following day.  

Gregg, who served as chief deputy at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office prior to his current role as a patrol sergeant with the Moses Lake Police Department, said he seeks to bring a new leadership style to the position. 

“Leadership is an action — not a position,” said Gregg during his announcement. 

He said effective leadership should revolve around trust, accountability and strong community partnerships.  

“I want to create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard,” he said. 

Gregg's experience spans multiple jurisdictions, including a start with the Royal City Police Department and subsequent positions in both GCSO and MLPD. This breadth of experience allows him to bring a unique perspective to the challenges facing law enforcement in the county, he said.  

One of his top priorities, he said, is addressing the increasing crime rates in Grant County.  

“We need to unite as elected officials; the sheriff, prosecutor and judges to tackle crime collaboratively and hold criminals accountable,” he said.  

He said he will advocate for a coordinated approach among local law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure that offenders face substantial consequences for their actions. 

In addition to tackling crime, Gregg said that enhancing community relationships with law enforcement was another goal. 

“A trust-based, community-centered approach to policing means getting out into the county, interacting with residents, and being visible in every part of our vast area,” he said. 

Gregg also said there is a pressing issue for staffing law enforcement.  

“Policing has changed dramatically, and we need the personnel to respond effectively to incidents,” he said, advocating for increased staffing levels to ensure public safety. 

As he embarks on this campaign, Gregg said he aims to set himself apart from his opponents by focusing on servant leadership.  

“It’s about putting others first and being there for the people you lead,” he said. 

Candidates are set to file for the election by May 8. If three or more candidates file for the election, they will be included in the primary election, with ballots due Aug. 4. The general election ballots will be due Nov. 3.