While Sheriff Mark Dion prepares for his upcoming retirement, his right-hand man looks to fill his shoes and announced a bid for Cumberland County sheriff.

Chief Deputy Kevin Joyce issued a statement Monday announcing his intention to run for the county's top law enforcement office. Joyce, a 24-year veteran of the force, has served as the department's second in command for the past seven years. Prior to that, he worked his way up the ranks from patrol deputy to criminal investigator to patrol captain to his present position.

Joyce said his duties as chief deputy include developing the department's $19 million budget and overseeing the day-to-day activities of its 250 employees.

"I have seen this agency grow substantially during the past 24 years," Joyce said in his announcement. "I believe in the people I work with here at the sheriff's office and would be honored to continue to serve and protect the citizens of Cumberland County."

Joyce started with the department in 1986. He wrote in his statement that his election this fall would make him the county's first sheriff to come up through the ranks in more than 40 years.

Joyce holds bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Husson College in South Portland and an associate degree in law enforcement from Southern Maine Community College. Joyce also attended the FBI National Academy for Police Executives in 2004 and taught at Andover College and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

"I understand that we will have some new challenges during the upcoming months and years," Joyce said in his release. "I am confident that with my training, education and experience, coupled with my commitment to this organization and the people of Cumberland County, I will be the best candidate for sheriff."