Jack D. Ripper, a Penn Township police officer since 2001 and a county native, announced on Wednesday his candidacy for the southeastern Magisterial District Judge position in Saxonburg.

Longtime District Judge Sue Haggerty will not seek reelection to the seat at the end of her term this year. Her term expires at the end of the year.

Ripper, 48, will seek nomination on both the Democratic and Republican tickets to become the next judge of District Court 50-3-03, which serves Penn, Middlesex, Clinton, Jefferson, Winfield and Buffalo townships and Saxonburg.

A news release from Ripper’s campaign states he has 27 years of law enforcement experience, serves as an officer in the Knoch School District, and has been involved in local fire, rescue and emergency medical services since age 16.

Ripper touts his firsthand, working knowledge of state laws and local ordinances.

Ripper is a resident of Jefferson Township and is involved in many community activities, the release said.

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