Long-time Catoosa County sheriff Phil Summers announced he is publicly endorsing sheriff’s Maj. Gary Sisk to become his successor as Sisk prepares for a runoff election against fellow candidate Larry Black.

Summers decided earlier this year that he would not seek re-election, retiring from a 33-year career in law enforcement, the past 22 of which were served as Catoosa County Sheriff.

“I have put a lot of thought and prayer into this,” Summers said in a prepared statement. “But in the end, the choice was clear. … Gary Sisk is the right choice to be the next sheriff of Catoosa County.”

Summers said he “wants to leave the office in the hands of someone who understands how to treat his fellow man with dignity and respect and who also shares a passion for keeping the community safe from drugs and crime for the sake of the community’s children and grandchildren.”

Sisk and Black, the former commander of the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force, are slated to have a runoff election on Tuesday, Aug. 21.

Black won the most votes in the primary election on July 31, but failed to acquire 50 percent of the votes.

Black says that he expected Summers to endorse Sisk, who is Summer’s long-time second in command.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” Black said. “The people of this county have endorsed me with 43 percent of the primary vote. My campaign will stay focused on addressing the ever-increasing drug problems facing our youth.”

According to Summers, Sisk currently oversees the daily operations of the agency and all its divisions.

“Gary is someone I have grown to trust and respect over the years for many reasons, including his professionalism, his dedication to our community, and his strong character ” Summers said. “Gary also has high moral character, and is a likable and caring family man with a stable work history.”

Early voting for the Aug. 21 runoff begins on Wednesday, Aug. 15.