EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are making their case to the public ahead of the primary election. To give readers a clear comparison of the candidates, each was asked the same question and provided an equal opportunity to respond. 

In this installment, the candidates explain what sets them apart from their opponents and outline the changes or improvements they would like to make within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office if elected.  

Voters have until Aug. 4 to return or postmark their primary election ballots. 

Gregg: My faith is the foundation that guides my decisions as a leader. It reminds me that leadership is about serving others with integrity and humility, ensuring I always put people first. What sets me apart in this race is the combination of my faith, law enforcement experience, leadership background, and commitment to a different approach to leading the Sheriff's Office. I have had the opportunity to serve with the Royal City Police Department, the Grant County Sheriff's Office, and the Moses Lake Police Department, which has given me firsthand knowledge of how different law enforcement agencies operate, the challenges they face, and the importance of strong partnerships throughout our county. 

In addition to my experience in the field, I will have completed my bachelor’s degree in business management in 2026. That education has strengthened my understanding of organizational leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, employee development, and accountability. Combined with my experience in multiple law enforcement agencies, it gives me the tools to help guide the Grant County Sheriff's Office in a positive direction and build an organization focused on professionalism, efficiency, and serving both the employees and our communities. 

Throughout this campaign, I have consistently focused on servant leadership, transparency, accountability, and visibility. I believe the next Sheriff must be someone who listens to employees, builds trust with the community, and leads by example. My goal is to create a Sheriff's Office culture where employees feel valued, citizens feel heard, and public safety remains the top priority. Vote Darrik Gregg for Grant County Sheriff. 

Sainsbury: As the Sheriff, I would be approachable and available to the employees and the citizens we serve. I would build a strong positive team that is involved in daily operations and out in the community.  I have 25 years of law enforcement experience and I value relationships.  

I would support the employees as we build trust within the agency and with the citizens of Grant County. We would be hosting Coffee with the Sheriff to start engaging with the public. The administrative team would be building relationships with the employees of the Grant County Sheriff's Office by involving them with the direction we want to go and asking about their needs while encouraging input as we move forward. 

Kriete: As the incumbent Sheriff, I believe my record demonstrates our team's ability to lead through challenges, deliver measurable results, and build an even stronger Sheriff's Office that our communities can be proud of. But what truly distinguishes me is not a statistic or a title; it's my commitment to this community and the people I have the privilege to serve. 

Grant County is my home. I have spent my career serving this community, and the Grant County Sheriff's Office is more than where I work; it is a family. I care deeply about the men and women who wear this badge, the professional staff who support our mission, the citizens who place their trust in us, and the responsibility that comes with leading this organization. That responsibility is something I never take for granted. 

My passion is to leave this Sheriff's Office stronger than I found it. I want to continue building an organization that attracts the very best people, embraces innovation, learns from its mistakes, and never becomes satisfied with the status quo. I believe our community deserves nothing less. 

As we prepare to open our new jail, my executive leadership experience in both law enforcement and corrections uniquely positions me to lead our organization through that transition while continuing to strengthen public safety across Grant County. 

I am asking for another term because I love this community, I believe in my Sheriff's Office family and the dedicated men and women who serve alongside me every day, and I remain committed to making Grant County the safest place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.