PERU, Ind. – Peru Police Chief Mike Meeks has announced plans to run for Miami County Sheriff. Intending to run as an independent, Meeks has been a police officer with the PPD for 23 years, serving as chief for the past two years. During his time with the department, he has been a shift supervisor for all shifts and was the Assistant Chief of Police for three and a half years under past Chief Bill Raber. Meeks currently sits on a variety of boards and committees, including the Miami County System of Care Governance Coalition, the Miami County School Safety Committee, the 911 Executive Committee, the Miami County Substance Abuse Prevention Council, the Emergency Management Advisory Council, the Miami County Disaster Coalition, as well as being a member of the Miami Lodge Fraternal Order of Police his entire career. As Sheriff, Meeks wants to focus on the substance abuse issue in Miami County, put emphasis on crime and traffic enforcement, be a driving force behind a work release program, and work with all city and county entities to make Miami County a better place to live and raise a family. Because he is running as an Independent, Meeks said he needs to secure 110 signatures prior to being able to become a candidate. Anyone with questions can reach him at mikemeeksforsheriff@gmail.com.