Two law enforcement veterans are vying to replace retiring Michael Tabolt at Lewis County sheriff.

They come from different places. One is a life-long Lewis County resident. The other visited the area throughout the years and eventually made it his home.

Both have extensive law enforcement careers and want to be the next Lewis County Sheriff.

Devere Rumble has lived in Copenhagen his entire life and has served the sheriff's department for 25 years.

Rumble, a Republican who's running only on the Independence line, retired from the department in late October to focus on his next goal: replacing retiring sheriff Michael Tabolt.

Rumble believes the position is largely administrative and says he's ready to tackle what he thinks is the biggest challenge: the budget.

While Rumble says he will work to make sure people still get the services they need, he's also concerned about drugs.

Rumble's opponent is Republican Mike Carpinelli. He's running on the Republican, Democrat and Conservative lines.

Carpinelli is a Kingston, NY native who visited Lewis County throughout his life.

After a stint in the Army, Carpinelli spent time at several police departments in southern New York.

He eventually transferred to Rochester and  retired after 14 years in the department.  He has been working part time in the Lewis County Sheriff's department since 2006.

Carpinelli shares Rumble's concerns about the drug problem in Lewis County.  While in Rochester, Carpinelli worked in narcotics and says his experience will benefit the county.  

While Carpinelli says he's prepared to work with lawmakers on tough budget issues, he feels one of his biggest strengths is his attitude. 

Carpinelli says if elected, his undersheriff will be Lewis County K-9 Sergeant Jim Monnat.

Rumble has chosen Randy Roggie, a sergeant with the Lowville Police Department to potentially serve as his undersheriff.